Concerns have been raised by Dalpark Ext 1 residents after dead fish were found on the banks of the Van Dyk Dam situated within the bird sanctuary inside the suburb.
The dam is fed by the Rietspruit.
According to resident Bart Zaayman, a water specimen from the dam was collected by municipal officials on Monday.
“We are waiting for the outcome of the tests,” he told the Brakpan Herald on Tuesday.
The dead fish were first noticed last Thursday. Zaayman stated at least 40 have been found so far.
“This is of great concern as there is no indication as to what is causing the fish to die,” said Zaayman.
“The first thought is sewage pollution but there is none of the usual telltale signs.” While fishing is prohibited in the sanctuary, there is a problem with illegal anglers. Residents are worried that whatever caused the deaths was transmitted or might be transmitted to other water bodies.
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There are also concerns that more fish may die as they appear to be sick. Zaayman requested community members to stay away from the dam.
“People must stay out of the water until we know what is going on,” he added.
City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini confirmed the site was visited with an official from the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Rural Development (GDARD) to take a specimen of the dead fish.
“This will provide an indication of what might be the most probable cause,” he said.
A site visit was confirmed for Thursday (yesterday) and the removal of the dead fish is planned for today (Friday).
Asked when the results of the tests will be available, Dlamini explained it will be clearer once the specimen has been taken to the lab.
Regarding concerns that the remaining fish may be sick, Dlamini stated city officials were on site on Wednesday and saw only a few dead fish.
“Given that access to the dam is a challenge, we have therefore decided for our officials to access the dam with homeowners,” he said.
Dlamini added the city works in collaboration with the blue and green scorpions, who can prosecute whoever is found responsible for the incident.
