Madam – The Ncandu River in Newcastle is one of many KZN rivers that begins as a pristine mountain stream, only to be destroyed as it reaches so-called civilisation.
According to a recent media report, the latest test results for this river show an extreme E.coli count (10 000 colonies and 24 000 colonies per 100 ml) making it unsafe and creating a risk for any number of microbial diseases if it is used for recreational fishing.
It is common knowledge that South Africa and KwaZulu-Natal in particular, are facing increasing water shortages. Yet our rivers and streams continue to be polluted.
The Ncandu and other rivers deserve a great deal more respect if they are to play their part in our future water and food security.
To this end, the DA in KZN will request answers from provincial conservation MEC, Mike Mabuyakhulu. We will ask how many Water Treatment Works feed into Ncandu River and their current condition.
We will also ask whether any industrial areas are discharging into this river and how often water tests are done. We will also request the results thereof for the past six months.
The conservation of our water sources must be given far greater priority.
Ann McDonnell, MPL, DA KZN Spokesperson on Environmental Affairs
