Pollution runs rife in New Germany stream
A concerned business owner said he was worried about his staff as each day, the stream changes into different colours, if not filled with oozing foam or raw sewage.
RIVER pollution is still an ongoing issue around Durban and a New Germany business owner has pleaded with individuals and businesses to take responsibility and stop dumping waste and chemicals in drains, streams and rivers.
Wesley Snyman, whose premises are situated on the side of the stream which runs into Aller River, said he has lost count on the number of times he has seen the river polluted.
ALSO READ: Nature lovers tackle river pollution
“Each day, this stream changes into different colours, if not filled with oozing foam or raw sewage,” he said.
On other days, the stench from the stream becomes unbearable.
“This has been reported on many occasions but we have never received a solution. We are not sure where it coming from but people just dump their waste without considering the damage it causes. This is affecting us health wise, it is just not right, for the rivers, humans and animals,” he said.
“I am very concerned about my staff’s health and the downstream consequences.”
Snyman said he hopes the origin of this ongoing pollution can be traced.
“If it is the companies that are disposing chemicals onto the river, they need to be held accountable and fined, as the animals are killed because of their actions,” he said.
Palmiet River Champion, Lee D’Eathe, said the Otto Volek Road crosses the Aller River as well as the Palmiet River catchments.
“Many river watch supporters are aware of the challenges and how blame is passed to and from without being resolved, like in this case of illegal disposal of waste by individuals in the Aller river,” said D’Eathe.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
