Ncandu River could become worse as winter approaches
Cold weather conditions could intensify pollution of the Ncandu River system.
Conservationist, Angus Burns explains that once rains lessen and the area moves into winter, it will result in less pollution being washed into the river network.
However, the negative side is with point source pollution.
Burns says because of reduced flushing of the Ncandu River system as rains lessen, pollution from any factories or sewage pipes will be more concentrated.
“In fact, the river should have warning notices erected about it being a health hazard. I don’t believe the water is safe for consumption by humans or animals, nor for irrigation.”
Burns also feels the situation will go mostly under the radar as the country builds to the 2019 general elections next month.
Even then, he ponders what discernible action will be taken by authorities.
“It’s quite sad and I don’t see we’ll get much joy until at least a few months after the elections.”
In a previous article, the municipality admitted there was no action plan for the Ncandu River system, nor were any short-term measures being implemented. There was also no task team to drive clean-up efforts.
Head of Communications, Dr Dumisani Thabethe said the finalisation and establishment of this team was envisioned by no later than the end of June this year.
Until then, residents can only hope the river survives.
Attempts to have high-ranking officials from the Department of Water Affairs intervene in this matter, have also reached a seeming dead end.
No comment has been received from the department either.
In a previous interview, Burns spoke on the looming ecological crisis facing the Amcor Dam, a part of the Ncandu River system flowing through Newcastle.
Once blue-green bacteria [algae] blooms, the water source will be poisoned, he iterates.
ALSO READ: Amcor dam faces ecological crisis
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