THE suspected chemical spill into the Isipingo River Estuary, which contaminated the water and killed fish over the past week, is a cause of concern because it will potentially affect the livelihoods of the fisherfolk.

This was the observation of Desmond D’Sa of the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) after reports of dead fish first became public. The recent fishkill at the estuary is the second in 16 months, and officials from the Department of Environmental Affairs have already conducted an inspection of the river to try and identify the source of the chemicals.

Also read: Amanzimtoti sewage spill leads to major fishkill

Ward 90 councillor Shad Nowbuth said all wastewater pump stations in Isipingo Beach’s Beach Road and Barracuda Drive were in perfect working order, but it is suspected the sludge that contaminated the river comes from the nearby Prospecton industrial area.

“The site visit to the canal waterway closest to the river, near the eight-ton bridge, has revealed a thick sludge coming from the industrial sector, and the officials were concerned about this. They will be submitting a report on their findings, and I will be kept posted by the department on outcomes,” said Nowbuth.

No dead fish samples were taken since there had been a long delay after the fish had died and the inspection. Nowbuth said the stench of the rotting fish is unbearable, and he was concerned about the effect it will have on the surviving aquatic life.

eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said the City’s Water and Sanitation Department has also investigated the contamination, but there was suspicion that the source could be the nearby companies.

“The matter has therefore been escalated to the Pollution and Environment Department as they need to sample and test the contaminated water for hazardous chemicals that may have been released into the water by companies in the area,” she said.

Sisilana also ruled out a sewage outfall as all pump stations in the area were operational. She said the city will aerate the lagoon to re-introduce oxygen into the water.

Desmond D’Sa, who is the SDCEA coordinator, said the river provides fisherfolk with a way of putting food on the table, but with pollution continuing, their livelihoods are affected.

“The estuary is the marine life’s breeding ground, but pollution has destroyed the small fish that grow in this area. If allowed to grow, fisherfolk can catch them as they get to the right size to take home,” said D’Sa.

DID YOU KNOW?

Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics. To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 694 6047.

Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom at 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.

(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)