A site inspection of the polluted Swartspruit about two weeks ago, proved the spruit is worse than before the water department intervened to improve the terrible stench of sewage that is plaguing the community.
This is according to ward councillor Tracey Lourenco, who inspected the spruit from CR Swart Drive up to Builders Warehouse on November 18.
This video was taken by Lourenco on Tuesday morning, November 28, following Monday’s heavy rain. The snow, which can be seen hanging in trees, is in fact foam created by the pollutants in the water.
Also read:
• First tests find indication of faeces and high phosphate in Swartspruit – AfriForum
• ‘Nose-sore’ Swartspruit is in appalling condition – ward councillor
• City fails to sort out smelly Swartspruit pollution
She is also a member of the environmental development oversight committee in the metro.
“I requested the water results from the department but was told they were instructed not to give the results to me, despite these results being freely given to anyone who attends the Hennops Water Forum,” she said.
“While doing my inspection it was clear the contamination has hit record levels as I could hardly breathe with the smell and felt somewhat ill when I left,” she added.
A petition signed by almost 300 people was submitted to Ekurhuleni at last month’s council meeting. In the petition affected residents demand the MMC of water and energy and the MMC of environment take serious and immediate action to ensure the rehabilitation of the Swartspruit.
“Swartspruit is currently seriously polluted because both large amounts of raw sewage and many other pollutants are discharged from industries in the area. These industries must face heavy penalties,” Lourenco said.
The petition also demands that the source of the pollution be found and that all measures are taken to stop further pollution of the waterway.
“Litter traps will need to be installed at various points along the spruit. Residents and businesses can no longer endure the disgusting smell that pollutes the air day and night – not to mention the importance of a wetland to our environment.
“The Swartspruit is a tributary of the Rietvlei River that flows into Rietvlei Dam, which is an important source of water for Tshwane Metro,” she added.
Lourenco sent an email to the MMC of environmental development, Gladys Shongwe, requesting an urgent intervention.
“The DA will submit an urgent motion at the next sitting of council as this can no longer be tolerated. What Ekurhuleni officials fail to understand is Section 24 of the constitution which refers to ‘Everyone has the right to have the environment protected for the benefit of prevention of pollution and ecological degradation’.
“The metro recently lost a case in the High Court where reference to this section was specifically emphasised. A better approach needs to be found to find the actual sources of the pollution and higher fines need to be imposed on the perpetrators. If not, then legal action must be taken against those found to be in contravention of the law.”
Despite Kempton Express requesting answers about the situation, as well as a copy of the report, the metro did not reply.
