NCANDU RIVER: Ten years of deterioration

The sins of the past have finally come back to haunt us.

The Newcastle Advertiser has reported on several instances where Ncandu River was negatively affected by an inability to come up with a viable, yet efficient plan of action.

On January 28, 2005, uThukela Water said a massive sewage spill upstream did not have any significant effect on the river. Tests revealed otherwise, as the E.coli count near the source of the leak had skyrocketed, compared to water tested further downstream.

In laymen’s terms, the amount of bacteria in the water was 300 000 units per 100 millilitres. “Water samples taken from the Ncandu River 500 metres upstream, at the discharge… (show) no deterioration in the river water quality… as there is little negative impact since the sewage is diluted with stormwater and the river runs strong as the result of heavy rain in the catchment area,” claimed uThukela.

The report suggested the sewerage pump station was built in 1973. Emergency holding dams or pits were not part of the design, or required by legislation.

The Newcastle Advertiser confirmed a handful of residents who used untreated river water for bathing and drinking had fallen ill with diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal ailments.

On February 25, 2005, it was reported a pump station near Amiel Park was failing on a regular basis.

The failures were apparently caused by poorly maintained and aging infrastructure.

uThukela claimed it was going above and beyond to secure funds to upgrade its systems.

Environmentalist, Angus Burns said the taxi rank was always being blamed for the pollution of the river.

“While this may be true to a certain extent, this level of pollution in the tributary will definitely impact on the Ncandu River,” he said.

Ten years down the line

According to AfriForum, the E.coli count in Ncandu River is currently more than 100 000 units per 100 millilitre; a statistic high enough to spark major concern.

The sky-high E.coli count is a direct result of sewage spills near the river.

Last week, Mayor, Afzul Rehman told residents via social media he relied on his staff for reports regarding sewage leaks. No spills had been reported at the time of his post.

Residents fired back and questioned Cllr Rehman regarding the foul smell lingering near the river.

He responded, saying: “I have been there personally; we are told the growth does not allow oxygen into the water, causing a stench.”

Referring to the Pistia Stratiotes, or ‘water cabbage’, Cllr Rehman said it has a matter of grave concern.

“The growth is a different issue, which is a national problem and extremely contagious. Therefore it cannot just be taken out without proper treatment, which we and the national department of water are doing,” he wrote.

Residents claimed they were tired of excuses, saying they simply wanted to see results.

“It’s heartbreaking to see how the state of the river has deteriorated over the last 10 years. The river has slowly, but surely become a giant manhole,” concluded a dejected resident.

Taking Ncandu River’s history into consideration is the only way one can understand why it has become a cesspool of bacteria and filth.

The town’s failing sewerage infrastructure is evidently a major contributing factor; a fact never disputed by stakeholders.

Regardless of who is to blame, a simple question remains: Who will take the reins and rectify the injustices of both past and present?

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