Sewage leaks causing a huge outcry (and stink) in the Dundee, Glencoe district
The quality of the water in the Steenkoolspruit and the associated environmental concerns has been high on the agenda of the Endumeni Residents' Association.
Uncontrolled sewage flowing into the Steenkoolspruit has resulted in E-coli contamination and other pollutants that could compromise the health of humans and animals.
Water sampling tests were conducted last Thursday by Eugene van Aswegen, the AfriForum provincial coordinator of KwaZulu-Natal. Using test kits approved by Free State University and overseen by local water analysis expert Wayne Honiball, the tests confirmed what many residents of Peacevale and Forestdale suspected: the Steenkoolspruit is now Stinkspruit.
The samples were taken from river water near Dundee Secondary School, witnessed by FC Bester of the Endumeni Residents Association and Dillin Clarke of the Endumeni Water Crisis Group.
In-loco inspections in the area revealed disturbing scenes. The effluent was seen flowing strongly in the gutters in Browning Street, opposite Dundee Secondary, where residents have long complained of constant sewer blockages, which have resulted in raw sewage flowing into their properties, one of which is a crèche.
Bester said he was ‘highly disturbed’ by what he saw. “Besides the obvious pong of sewage coming from the river, the banks of the river are littered with broken bottles, building rubble and even old clothes. What could have been a decent recreational braai area for residents has been turned into a stinking dumping ground.”
The delegation also visited a manhole in a field off Van Eck Street in the Avon Industrial Area, where sewage is gushing out and flowing into the Steenkoolspruit about 50 metres away. Those working in the area said the effluent has been ‘rushing out’ for several months.
Water samples were also taken of the municipal water in Glencoe where results showed while unpleasant in colour and taste, the water was not harmful to humans.
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Many residents who can afford to do so have already stocked up on bottled water.
Honiball suggested that the brown water many residents have been exposed to in recent weeks has been caused by the water not being fully processed before being reticulated. This could be due to four of the eight filters being out of commission at the Biggarsberg Water Treatment Plant, as reported by the Umzinyathi District Municipality.
Umzinyathi has not responded to requests for comment.
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