Korsman still under threat from sewage
According to Jane Trembath, chairperson of the Korsman Conservancy volunteer group, fresh leaks were detected recently.
Broken, dirty and ill-maintained pumps are once again to blame for raw sewage running into the Korsmans Bird Sanctuary in Westdene, putting the highly sensitive wetland at risk.
According to Jane Trembath, chairperson of the Korsman Conservancy volunteer group, fresh leaks were detected recently. However, the problem concerning the pumps and maintenance thereof has been ongoing for several years.
“Our concern is that with the rising water levels, due to the recent rains, 40 hectares of the 45-hectare conservancy are covered in water,” she said.
“Higher water levels mean the manholes located within the sanctuary, which is now level with the water, is pumping raw sewage directly into the pan.
“The two pump houses within the conservancy should ideally pump the sewage from the area to the main sanitation station; however, some of the pumps have not been operational, nor has it been regularly cleaned and maintained.”
As the conservancy is a credited nature reserve and bird sanctuary, any changes in the natural biodiversity could have detrimental effects on the fauna and flora within the confines of the pan.
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It was reported that 700 carp died due to a sewage spill in November and recent spills have halted a joint project between the conservancy and the Rotary Club to release new fish into the pan.
“When we refer to sewage, people generally assume we mean matter which is flushed down the toilet,” she said.
“In this case, however, anything that runs down residential drains – be it oil or detergent – has the potential of running into the pan and changing the ecological structure.
“All this can be prevented if the pumps are repaired, working and maintained regularly.”
In a statement received from ward councillor for the area Mary Goby last week, it is divulged that an urgent meeting was held with the MMC for water, sanitation and energy, Senzi Sibeko, and infrastructure MMC Themba Kalipa.
A commitment was made for the installation of a pump that will pump excess water from the pan for the water level to recede within the prescribed parameters.
“Once the optimum water level has been achieved, a site inspection can take place to assess the infrastructural damage caused by the flooding,” said Goby.
“With these interventions, residents can expect the state of the conservancy to dramatically improve following years of neglect.”
Interesting facts about Korsman Bird Sanctuary:
• It was enclosed in 1953 and declared a nature reserve due to its diverse biodiversity.
• It has also been declared as a protected wetland.
• More than 150 bird species nest along the pan.
• The pan is estimated to be 2.3m deep.
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