[VIDEO] Sewage kills hundreds of Crocodile River fish
The sewage is still leaking and the damage far outweighs the problem.
Hundreds of fish, big and small, were pulled out of the Crocodile River by residents who saw them floating on the surface, next to solid waste material that clogged the river and set free a disgusting smell.
The News was called by concerned residents living next to the river in Muldersdrift after sewage ran into the river for almost two weeks.
“We are getting sick,” one resident said.
“We can’t sleep at night because of the smell.”
When the News arrived, a group of Joburg Water (JW) employees tried to fix the sewage pipe next to the river. The sewage streamed into the river, turning the otherwise fresh water into a murky brown mess. It seemed like the pipe was either broken or there was a major leak. But it was clear that the pump station did not work as JW brought along their own pump.
No one form Mogale City Municipality was there, but according to a local, there was someone there on the morning of 15 December to asses the damage.
“There is no turning back, the damage is already done,” said Robert Treptou, one of the locals who live next to the river.
Robert is also an occupational environment health and safety auditor and consultant.
“This is extreme pollution and a major health risk,” he said.
Robert believes the damage already done all the way to Hartebeespoort Dam.
Joe Sebastian, manager at Drift Inn, told the News he lost a lot of business this past weekend. No one could stand the smell outside.
As the News understands, the sewage is still pumping out into the river. Robert said wastewater from your shower, bathtub, washing machine, dishwasher, kitchen sink and toilet is all considered sewage. All of that is now in the river where many different animal species thrive.
Fires, water leaks and sewage leaks are usually treated as emergencies by the respective municipality.
The News will keep its readers updated.
Read more:
• VIDEO: Raw sewage spillage flows into water canals
• Sewage continues to leak despite it being reported
• Mogale erken rioolprobleem by hospitaal
