Dusi organisers keep close eye on water quality
The lower uMngeni River has become a cause for concern due to the E.coli levels.
WITH days to go before the 71st edition of the MyLife Dusi Canoe Marathon, race organisers are closely monitoring the water levels and water quality in the uMsindusi and uMngeni rivers.
For the first time in 18 years all the dams in the river system are spilling, leaving the rivers running at high water levels, a sign that race committee head Shane le Breton said has been responsible for one of the biggest race entries in recent years.
Le Breton said the philosophy of putting paddler safety first was driving the close attention organisers are paying to the E.coli levels in the river.
Related article: ‘uMngeni River situation critical for all’ says local paddlers
“The E.coli levels in the river are an issue, but largely restricted to the urban areas of Pietermaritzburg and Durban. E.coli pollution has been a factor in the Dusi since the 1980s, and the so-called ‘Dusi Guts’ is the consequence for some paddlers,” said le Breton.
While the middle sections of the three day marathon are generally raced on cleaner water, the lower uMngeni River has become a cause for concern due to the E.coli levels.
“We have reached out to the eThekwini Municipality on numerous occasions hoping to set up systems similar to ones used successfully in Pietermaritzburg to quickly identify problems and remedy them,” said le Breton.
Le Breton scotched rumours that the race would be cancelled because of the water quality issues and stressed that he and his committee would make informed decisions based on the water levels and the latest water quality readings before each stage of the race.
Related article: Concerns grow over health of Umgeni River
“The Dusi is an iconic South African sporting event and it will go ahead. The paddlers are all fully aware of the reality of the impact of rains on the water levels and quality and they plan accordingly. The race founder, the legendary conservationist Dr Ian Player, used to say that rivers are a reflection on the overall state of our society and they need to receive special care and attention, not just in the build-up to the Dusi but year-round,” he said.
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
