Question NW817 to the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

(1) Considering that over the past eight months various public beaches in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal have been closed due to sewerage spills causing high levels of Escherichia coli (E. Coli) in the water, and in view of the fact that, during the December and January festive season eight beaches were closed in the Western Cape (details furnished), how is her department working with municipalities in the affected areas to ensure that public beaches (a) meet and (b) maintain the required E. Coli levels?