Polluted Bonaero Park stream raises environmental concerns

A concerning environmental issue has surfaced in Bonaero Park, where residents have reported excessive bubbling and a strong odour coming from a local stream.

Community members blame the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa), alleging that pollution from the company is behind the contamination.

The stream, which feeds into the Blaauwpan Dam, has raised concerns about the safety of children and pets frequenting the area, as well as the potential long-term effects on local wildlife and public health.

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Justine Vorster, a Bonaero Park resident and member of Bon 3, expressed concern over the deteriorating state of the water.

“We’ve had people complain about strange smells in the air that affect their breathing. I haven’t personally experienced it, but I’ve seen the bubbles and noticed something’s not right. We had a similar issue last year,” said Vorster.

Vorster said they contacted the Acsa on June 16, and its representatives took water samples for testing. However, the residents have yet to receive any feedback.

“It’s been over a month, and we’re still waiting. This is affecting the environment. All this water runs to the Blaauwpan Dam, and the bubbles are already flowing into it,” she added.

Another resident told the Kempton Express, “We are worried about the health and well-being of our families and pets.”

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Ward 23 Clr Gerald Goslin confirmed receiving several complaints and visited the site to investigate.

“The first thing I did was claim stake to the complaints and gather evidence.

“I’ve taken a water sample and will submit it for testing through environmental oversight to identify any foreign chemicals,” Goslin explained.

He expressed frustration with what he described as a lack of urgency from authorities.

“It’s shocking to see how little interest there seems to be from those responsible. You can clearly see where the water is coming from.

“There’s a definite chemical smell, almost alkaline, though it’s hard to say exactly what it is. The water isn’t soapy, but there’s some sort of runoff affecting the stream.”

He said the situation was impacting more than just the residents.

“This stream flows into a natural habitat that supports various species, including carp and barbel. That ecosystem is being harmed.”

Goslin confirmed that a community notice would be issued to warn residents to keep children and pets away from the stream until further testing is complete.

“We don’t want to be alarmist, but the reality is we don’t know what’s in the water. Until we do, we can’t say it’s safe to touch or be near, and we must take all necessary precautions,” he said.

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The stream could be cordoned off to prevent public access if the situation escalates.

CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini confirmed that the Environmental Resources and Waste Management Department did a site visit on July 25.

“White foam was seen at several points along the stream. However, the water appeared clear, with no detectable odour during the visit,” Dlamini said.

He added that the Acsa was contacted to determine whether any incidents had been reported that could be linked to the pollution.
The Acsa confirmed that it had already taken a water sample for analysis.

“The results of that analysis will help identify the cause of the foam. Once the source is known, appropriate action will be taken,” Dlamini stated.

Ward 15 Clr Amanda Davison, a member of the Environment and Waste Management Oversight Committee, confirmed that the city’s Environmental Compliance unit is investigating the matter.

The committee aims to involve the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment.