Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe hopes to address environmental concerns affecting the Jukskei River
Local councillor is eager and committed to protecting natural resources and ensuring the well-being of communities.
Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe said she was concerned about the escalating environmental issues affecting the Jukskei River.
Read more: Local councillor says, ‘neglected Jukskei River poses a health risk to residents’
Deppe said this on November 14 after recent observations revealed an alarming amount of foam in the Waterfall City area of the river.
In August, about 40 dead fish were discovered in the Waterfall City area which put the spotlight on the highly polluted river.
She said the foam had caused significant public apprehension and continued to impact local ecosystems and communities.
“Through comprehensive investigations, we have identified multiple potential causes of this environmental challenge, recognising both natural and human-induced factors. The foam on our river does not merely mar its aesthetic appeal but serves as a possible indicator of underlying environmental problems. We are fully committed to uncovering and addressing these root causes to protect our natural resources and ensure the well-being of our communities,” said Deppe.
She said in collaboration with local environmental agencies, they would be leading initiatives to engage the community, conduct pollution audits, and implement monitoring programmes aimed at effectively addressing these issues.
Also read: Deppe unhappy with delayed Jukskei River lab results
Deppe said immediate actions included reinforcing waste management practices, enhancing public communication, and improving surveillance of potential pollution sources.
“We emphasise the importance of collective responsibility and the pursuit of sustainable solutions. We urge residents and businesses alike to join forces with the local government to safeguard the health and safety of our cherished river.”
The possible causes of the foam, according to Deppe, include:
- Natural phenomena: The natural decomposition of organic materials in the river may result in foam formation, especially following rainfall that increases water flow and agitation.
- Pollution: The introduction of soaps and detergents from residential and industrial waste is a substantial threat. We are committed to monitoring and controlling waste discharges to lessen this impact.
- Algal blooms: Nutrients entering the river from agricultural run-off can cause algal blooms, degrading water quality and causing foam.
- Chemical spills: We are actively investigating to ensure that no accidental industrial chemical releases are occurring in the waterway.
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Related article: Local councillor calls for an urgent and comprehensive investigation into Jukskei River pollution sources
