For three weeks, a white soapy substance has been floating on the surface of the Jukskei River in Dunsevern, Lyndhurst, raising concerns among community members.
Of most concern are the dead birds which are lying next to the river and are suspected to have died due to drinking the hazardous water from the river.
According to Sharmd Dave, who resides in one of the complexes which overlooks the river, this is not the first time this has happened.
Dave said even though no human life-threatening incident has been reported before, the situation affects the livelihood of the area.
“We haven’t had a life-threatening situation so far other than the birds that are seen lying next to the river,” said Dave.
“It is, however, affecting the children because they can’t play there now and everyone in my complex is complaining. We suspect that there can be some chemical leaking into the river from somewhere further upstream by the factories,” said Dave.
According to Dave, no one has been notified of this situation.
When contacted, Ward 81 councillor Irene Rugheimer promised to investigate the matter.
Details: Irene Rugheimer 072 406 6594.
Edited by Stacey Woensdregt
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