WATCH: Toxic smell threatens residents’ lives, animals near Alberton Dam
It is unclear what the source of the chemical-like odour is. Residents of Verwoerdpark, where the smell is particularly strong, are searching for answers.
Residents living near the Alberton Dam on Bloutulp Road in Verwoerdpark, Alberton, are seeking answers after a toxic smell filled the air around the dam, posing a potential threat to human and animal life.
The source of the chemical-like odour is unclear. Speculation is rife that it could be caused by chemicals being dumped into the dam.
The Alberton Record spoke to long-time resident Willem Botha, who shared the story of a woman living near the dam.
She reportedly felt better after spending time away from the area, believing her previous illnesses were linked to the odour.
“I know a lady who went to the Drakensberg to recover from the effects of the smell. She believes she has chemical-induced sores in her throat. Before she left, she was not feeling well. The smell caused throat irritation, sinus problems, and she had trouble sleeping at night. She has been gone for a week,” said Botha.
During a site visit, the reporter experienced slight dizziness while walking near the water, which was believed to carry chemicals. The water flows from inside the Alberton Dam into a drainage channel outside the park.
@albertonrecord Toxic smell threatening residents’ lives and animals in the Alberton Dam. It is unclear what the source of the chemical-like odour is. FULL STORY on www.albertonrecord.co.za #AlbertonDam #waterpollution ♬ News, news, seriousness, tension(1077866) – Lyrebirds music
“This is concerning because people often hang around here and host braais next to this drainage channel, and children are playing near the water,” Botha added.
The polluted water and air do not only threaten residents. The dam is home to various animals, including rabbits, birds, and goats. Some pigs in the dam were seen lying in water suspected to be contaminated with chemicals.
An investigation around Chrislou Crescent, which has a concentration of heavy industrial sites, could not pinpoint the source of the odour.
A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) states that “the combined effects of air pollution are associated with 6.7 million premature deaths annually and that air pollution is one of the greatest environmental risks to child health. Air pollution caused an estimated 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide in 2019.”
Source: WHO
City of Ekurhuleni’s (CoE) response:
“The City is aware of the issue. The source of the smell is yet to established. However discoloured water was observed on site which suggests that there is some materials that have found its way to the Alberton dam. More investigations still need to be done to get to the source of the problem and determine the
appropriate action against whoever could be responsible.”
“As a precautionary measure, residents must not be in contact with the water as it may have serious health effects until such time that we have concluded our investigations,” said CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.
Alberton SPCA response:
“We were in contact with the caretaker of the dam and he advised they are aware of the issue , the water department is notified, and they are working on it. Furthermore, the animals are not kept on the side of the dam and do not drink from the dam.”
“We are currently monitoring the situation to ensure animals are not being affected. However, no welfare concerns have been observed so far in regards with the animals,” said Alberton SPCA inspector Sipho Letsaolo.
