Pollution threatens Boksburg Lake’s aquatic ecosystem
It’s still unclear whether the relevant authorities have taken any measures to counteract the acid and roll back the damage caused by the toxic acid mine and other pollutants.
The perpetual pollution of the Boksburg Lake is now taking a toll on the hundreds of fish species in the water.
Recently, a massive toxic acid mine drainage spill at the Central Mining Basin upstream contaminated and dyed the lake and other local dams and important waterways red, posing a danger to people and wildlife.
The Boksburg Advertiser has been monitoring the situation, and when revisiting the public amenity this week, dead fish could be seen washing up in the murky water along the shore and the outlet near Commissioner Street.
Almost two months after the acid spill, while the rust colour of the water has been gradually fading, the water along the sides of the lake has mysteriously turned bright green.
One of the hawkers along the shores near Commissioner Street, Mabaso, expressed his shock at the sudden change of colour on the shores and the dozens of either dying or dead fish washing up.
“Even those that are still alive, you can see that they are very weak, and I’ve seen many people collecting them, probably to eat at home or sell.
“We have been experiencing the nauseating smell of rotting eggs, that gets worse day by day,” said Mabaso.
The metro has not responded to our request for comment.
It’s still unclear whether the relevant authorities have taken any measures to counteract the acid and roll back the damage caused by the toxic acid mine and other pollutants.
The state-owned Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) had admitted a spillage at the Central Mining Basin was responsible for the lake turning red.
It started seeping pollutants from the mine into the concrete stormwater channel near the Campbell Road (Cason) bridge, before entering the lake and other local waterways.
TCTA warned that the water is not safe for human consumption and urged all residents near Boksburg Lake and downstream not to drink water from the lake or any connected streams, rivers, or dams until further notice.
Also Read: UPDATE: Boksburg Lake water rehabilitation project in limbo
