Pollution in Westville’s Palmiet River worsens
In June environmentalists, the Palmiet River Watch recorded 15 serious pollution events in the Westville river.
“THE often sparkling Palmiet River water belies the shockingly poor state it is in: “unfit for human or agricultural use. The larger catchment has been described as “in a very unhealthy state steadily deteriorating, subjected to slow violence, and vulnerable”. Along with the fish, crabs, aquatic invertebrates, even the ionic Palmiet plant (Prionium serratum) after which the river is named no longer survives in the catchment”, said Palmiet River Valley Champion, Lee D’Eathe.
The vanishing wildlife as a result of ongoing pollution streaming into the Palmiet River has become a serious concern for residents.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Sewage pollutes Palmiet River
According to D’Eathe , 15 serious pollution events were observed by the Palmiet River Watch in June alone and registered with the authorities; which is up from the average of 10 registered every month since 2015.
He said following the damaging rainfall on 22 April 2019, illegal solid and liquid waste disposal and waste-water systems failures continue unabated.
“This will continue, exhausting budgets and dedicated municipal officials in a never-ending cycle, until the authorities acknowledge and address the root causes,” said D’Eathe.
A concerned resident who also contacted the Highway Mail, Melissa Verschoor, said the recent pollution went on for a week, “the river was bright green with foam, it saddens me to think what will happen with the wildlife.”
ALSO READ: Palmiet River pollution causes unbearable odour
Verschoor, who lives along the river bank, said there are normally crabs and water-birds like African black ducks, “but now with this pollution they have disappeared. We have bought our house because of the river flowing through the garden but now it is more an eyesore than something to enjoy. We have reported this pollution to department of health but nothing is happening. I really feel something needs to happen to safe the wildlife,” said resident.
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