WATCH | Concerns raised about dying fish at Alberton’s Jackson Dam
Jackson Dam, located on 91 and 93 Jackson Street in Brackenhurst, is home to what looks like carp, hadeda ibis, and other wetland species.
UPDATE: April 16
The City of Ekurhuleni has responded to concerns of dying fish at the Jackson Dam in Alberton.
According to the City of Ekurhuleni Spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini: “the Parks and Cemeteries Division is aware of the water leakage or blockage in the ablution facilities, and the matter has been escalated to the Real Estate and Facilities Management Department. After thorough consultation with the ward councillor, a resolution to close the facility was taken as the water is flooding the whole facility.”
“The issue of the dying is currently under investigation. The assumption is that it might be caused by the sewer spillage into the dam,” added Dlamini.
Breaking News:
The Alberton Record received an email from a concerned resident, who alerted this publication about a foul smell and dying fish coming from the Jackson Dam in Brackenhurst.
The Record went to investigate.
@albertonrecord The Alberton Record received an email from a concerned resident, who alerted this publication about a foul smell and dying fish coming from the Jackson Dam in Brackenhurst. The Record went to investigate. “I took our three grandchildren fishing at the Jackson Dam. It is so sad to see what has become of the place. Dead fish are floating near the banks, the grass needs cutting and the toilets are blocked,” read the email. When the Alberton Record arrived, all entrances at Jackson Dam were locked. A notice on one of the gates read: “Temporarily closed.”
“I took our three grandchildren fishing at the Jackson Dam. It is so sad to see what has become of the place. Dead fish are floating near the banks, the grass needs cutting and the toilets are blocked,” read the email.
When the Alberton Record arrived, all entrances at Jackson Dam were locked. A notice on one of the gates read: “Temporarily closed.”
Jackson Dam, located on 91 and 93 Jackson Street, is home to what looks like carp fish, hadeda ibis, and other wetland species. Despite being closed to the public, the Alberton Record managed to gain entrance into Jackson Dam. Even before getting close to the dam, dead fish could be seen from a short distance.
@albertonrecord Jackson Dam, located on 91 and 93 Jackson Street, is home to what looks like carp fish, hadeda ibis, and other wetland species. Despite being closed to the public, the Alberton Record managed to gain entrance into Jackson Dam. Even before getting close to the dam, dead fish could be seen from a short distance. Two inspection officials were at the dam. Both of them were from Rand Water. “We were made aware of an issue of dying fish at this dam, so we are here to try and find out what could be killing these fish. Yesterday, we extracted a sample of the water inside the dam for testing,” said the official Read full story on albertonrecord.co.za
Two inspection officials were at the dam. Both of them were from Rand Water.
“We were made aware of an issue of dying fish at this dam, so we are here to try and find out what could be killing these fish. Yesterday, we extracted a sample of the water inside the dam for testing,” said the official
It is still unclear what exactly is causing the death of the fish.
Some of the water inside the dam is covered by a greenish tint, which is supposedly caused by algae blooms, and this is where most fish at Jackson Dam lay dead.
According to North West University’s ‘Freshwater Algae’ – a research document published in May 2006 – some algae can produce toxins that cause health problems in animals. But nobody knows for sure if the fish at Jackson Dam died from the greenish tint or something else.
Alberton SPCA comment:
Please be advised the Alberton SPCA is not aware of the concerns of dying fish at the Jackson Dam. However, an investigation will be conducted to ensure that no contraventions are being committed under the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962.
Rand Water’s Media Relations Manager, Justice Mohlale, said: “Please contact the Department of Water and Sanitation for a comment on this matter.”
