Residents concerned about pollution at Elsburg Spruit

Concerned Elspark resident Aloma Ross is calling for action about the state of the Elsburg Spruit.

“The pollution in the spruit is out of hand.

There is sewerage going into the river.

“There is medical waste in the water and you can see the bacteria in the water and dead fish. This is not good for the environment and those who are exposed to it,” said Ross.

She said every stream that joins the Elsburg Spruit from Tedstoneville is polluted and this stream joins the Klip River and runs to the Vaal River.

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Ross is worried about the health implications of this pollution.

“The stench is so bad that we cannot open the windows for fresh air. People are getting sick from the smell and it’s also not safe for the animals,” said Ross.

She said rodents are coming into the houses and that is risky because they carry the poison from the spruit.

“We are also worried about the safety of our animals. This situation is getting out of control,” said Ross.

She told GCN that the pollution has been going on for several years, but lately, it has gotten worse and action needs to be taken.

“The City of Ekurhuleni seems not to care that this is our environment and it needs to be protected.

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“I have decided to take action and see if I can get something done. With the help of some residents I plan to pour potassium in different spots of the spruit to try and clear up a bit of the bacteria in the water,” said Ross.

She said she hopes this can make a difference.
An enquiry was sent to the CoE on November 16. No comment was received at the time of going to print.