Run-off dam pollution worries Simbithi residents as mud and silt flow from Ballito Hills

Simbithi Eco Estate residents are concerned about environmental impact of mud and silt flowing from the Ballito Hills construction site into Simbithi dams after heavy rainfall.

Simbithi general manager, Malcolm Samuel said the estate’s senior management and board of directors were actively engaging with Balwin Properties, developers of the Ballito Hills project.

“We intend to find a solution that protects our environment, and is in the best interests of our community,” said Samuel.

Balwin general manager in KZN, Kyle Gallagher, said the matter had been dealt with.

“Balwin and Simbithi have been actively working together and, will continue to work together, to address any possible concerns pertaining to stormwater run-off,” said Gallagher.

He said the allegations of environmental pollution were inaccurate and unfounded.

“Independent environmental consultants, as well as a geohydrologist, have confirmed that the reason for the discolouration of the dam is due to the presence of very fine Berea red soil, which is high in iron and which accounts for the reddish colour. Berea red soil can be found in abundance on the eastern seaboard of KwaZulu-Natal. In essence, when there is rainfall, the rainwater is discoloured by the red soil along the route through which the rainwater runs until it reaches the dam.”

Gallagher said despite numerous efforts to prevent discolouration, it has proven difficult to counter this natural process.

“Balwin takes its environmental responsibility very seriously. We are a proudly green company as evidenced in our six-star green-rated, carbon-neutral lifestyle centres and environmentally conscious building practices. We will continue to engage with all stakeholders on this matter, to ensure that the environment is protected.”

However, Dolphin Coast Conservancy chairperson Di Jones cautioned that if the water was carrying too much sediment in the form of red soil, it would impact negatively on the eco-systems and all aquatic systems may not survive.

This could result in loss of fish, birdlife, vegetation and the coastal zone could also be impacted by the sediment.

“The environmental committee at Simbithi has had meetings with the management of Balwin Properties to try and ensure that the flow of water during a heavy downpour is contained in the dams which are purpose-built to cater for just such an occurrence. What is often not taken into account, however, is the possibility of a vast amount of water impacting the flow from even higher up.”

“In the past, a sizeable portion of the new Ballito Hills development has been washed away by heavy rains. The importance of the water being constrained from washing into the Simbithi forest is that the entire ecosystem could be disrupted, with subsequent ongoing damage to the flora and fauna. The water-courses on Simbithi feed into their dams, and then onto the beach, exiting at Thompson’s Bay Beach,” said Jones.

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