‘Foreign objects’ blamed for sewage spill
The implications of this spill at the Oslo Beach dam are still unknown.
FOR years residents have reported ongoing sewage problems at the end of Castor Road in Oslo Beach. And very little has been done to provide a long-term solution to fix it.
Last Thursday, the Herald visited the site, only to find thousands of litres of sewage flowing freely from a manhole cover, less than 10 metres from the front door of a home. The stench was so overbearing that residents couldn’t leave their front doors open.
Upon investigation it was found that one of the two pumps is mysteriously missing from the pump station (which is opposite the manhole cover) and, according to residents, the remaining overworked and very noisy pump caught alight some months ago.
Last month, the Herald reported that hundreds of fish were found dead by a fisherman who often visits the dam. He discovered sewage overflowing from what is thought to be the same manhole cover into a small stream which flows into the dam. He also found two dead leguaans earlier this year.
France Zama, spokesman for Ugu District Municipality, said a team of technicians this week investigated the cause of the overflow in the Castor Road pump station. The indications were that the overflow was caused by two litre plastic cooldrink bottles, a knife and fork set and plastic toys lodged within the non-return valve inside the pump station, thus preventing the valve from closing.
He confirmed that the mechanical team had rectified the situation and the pump station was fully functional again. The standby pump had been removed for maintenance purposes and the mechanical team was currently on site installing a replacement standby pump.
Mr Zama said that inspections of the dam have also been done and it can be confirmed that there were no visible signs of aquatic and or wildlife disturbance. However the municipality’s environmental health unit will take water samples and monitor the dam for any possible contamination.
“The municipality warns communities against the disposing of foreign objects into the sewer system, as they compromise the system, leading to an overflow in the sewer pump stations,” he said.
