Deep silt, reported sewage contamination and a deteriorating walkway have raised concerns about the safety of visitors to Lakes Park Dam, located on Horseshoe Street.

Visitors to the park have been warned to stay out of the dam water and away from its deep mud, as concerns mount over pollution and the condition of the walkway surrounding the water.

The Little Falls and Strubens Valley Residential Community (Lifco) deputy chairperson, Hélène de Villiers, said the dam had changed considerably over time, with reeds and a sandbank taking up areas that were previously open water.

She warned that the accumulated mud was particularly dangerous because of its depth and consistency.

“It is like quicksand,” she said, explaining that people who step into the mud could become trapped. She cautioned that anyone attempting to help someone stuck in it could also find themselves in danger.

“One man fell into the water the one time we were working on the float, and he lost his gumboot; that’s how much sand is in there,” she said.

The walkway is another concern. According to De Villiers, heavy storms cause water to flow over parts of the structure, washing away the soil underneath and leaving sections subsiding.

She said this posed a risk to people walking through the park and that the community organisation cannot afford the estimated R1.5m needed to repair the walkway.

“The organisation receives between R14 000 and R15 000 a month, which goes towards grass cutting and general maintenance of the area. We cannot afford to fix it ourselves,” she said.

Concerns have also been raised about the dam’s water quality. A public notice issued by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) warns that the water is contaminated with sewage and contains high levels of E. coli.

The notice identifies blocked drains and pipes from the top of Kloofendal as the reported source and advises visitors to avoid direct contact with the water. Fishing and swimming are prohibited.

De Villiers also reported seeing concerns about black, oily material on the water. Its source has not been established. She referred to test-kit readings indicating high E. coli levels in the water.

“The park is a beautiful spot for family picnics and for children to play in, but now it is not safe for them due to the contaminated water in the dam and the damaged walkway,” she said.

She also added that parts of the dam where reeds have grown used to be a dry area that people could walk on but now it is filled with sand, water, and the reeds that are continuously growing inside the dam.

According to De Villiers, most residents love to bring their dogs to the park for recreation, including herself, but she does not let her dog near the water because she fears it might fall ill or sicken her as well.

The Roodepoort Northsider sent questions to JCPZ on October 21, at 13:46, with a deadline of October 26. The enquiry covered the reported water contamination and test results, the walkway’s condition and estimated repair costs, park maintenance and safety measures, and any planned interventions.

A follow-up email was sent on Thursday, October 29, after the deadline passed without a response. No response had been received at the time of publication.

An inquiry was also sent to Johannesburg Water (JW) on October 21, at 16:27 about the reported sewage contamination, the blocked drains and pipes, water-quality investigations, the possible source of the pollution and any remedial work.

JW marketing and communications officer Nolwazi Dlamini confirmed receipt and said feedback would be provided within the entity’s standard turnaround time of 24 to 48 hours.

Following a follow-up email on Thursday, October 29, Dlamini confirmed that the matter had been escalated to the relevant depot and officials were awaiting feedback. No further response had been received at the time of publication.

Park users are urged to follow JCPZ’s warning and avoid contact with the water. De Villiers also urged residents not to dump refuse bags outside the park, but to put waste inside their bins for collection by Pikitup.