A low percentage of oxygen in the water at the lagoon in Pospectorn, south of the City has been blamed for the death of fish in the water.
According to Tozi Mthethwa from eThekwini Municipality, a team from the Environmental Health Unit was immediately dispatched to the scene when reports of the dead fish first surfaced.
Mthethwa said: “Investigations showed that the fish kill in the Isipingo Lagoon was due to low dissolved oxygen in the water. The lagoon is being aerated in two areas using pumps. Clearance has been given by the Department of Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs to open the lagoon mouth. This will bring sea water into the lagoon if opened during a sufficiently high tide. People living in the area should therefore be more aware of protecting their environment, especially the area upstream which has been used for illegal dumping.”
She said the process of community engagements was on-going. “Education on environmental issues is important if we want to keep our City clean. The community has a responsibility not to deposit waste into rivers, streams and the ocean. Keeping our environment litter free is everyone’s business,” she said.
The Municipality encourages residents to report illegal dumping and non-collection of refuse to 031 311 8804.
“We also call on residents to educate each another about the negative impact of illegal dumping and littering,” said Mthethwa.
