There is still no certainty as to when the Onrus Beach and Estuary will re-open after the devastating level 9 storm of 24 September 2023, severely damaged a section of the Bosplasie sewerage line.

As a result, the sewerage reticulation pipeline, servicing ± 56 household connections, is broken and untreated sewage flows into the estuary and ocean. It should be noted, that, not all these houses are permanently occupied. Warning signs have been placed at strategic points alerting visitors and residents who want to surf of the pollution.

Overstrand Municipality’s operational and engineering departments are investigating options and costing to complete repair works as soon as possible.

As part of the initial Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which was done for the pipeline, a Construction Environmental Management Programme and a River Maintenance Management Plan was approved by DEA&DP in 2016 as part of the original Environmental Authorisation, which allows for the maintenance work to be completed.