‘Dead’ river may cause businesses to close down
The fish have died and customers complain about the smell that pollution from Mogale City's water works have caused.
A successful family business may have to close down due to pollution coming from the Percy Steward Waste Water Treatment Works.
Bobby Bain from Brookwood Trout Farm explained their family business was established 23 years ago.
“The pristine water and cold climate of Kromdaai were ideal conditions for trout to live in. Trout had been in the Blaaubunk River for well over 40 years until one was no longer allowed to stock the river,” said Bain.
She added at the moment, the river is dead with no fish life.
“Even the crabs and leguaan are not there. The plant life is dying and attached to it are long white bacteria-type strands. The water has an oily film and is grey. I am sure I will never see our beautiful river restored to its formal glory in my lifetime.”
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The raw sewage settles on the river bed and stifles the oxygen levels, which means there is no life form left in the river.
Bain said Brookwood is a well-known business and tourist attraction and over the years many people have enjoyed the scenic environment and memorable fishing, picnics, team building, school camps, weddings, and other events at the farm.
Their problem started in 2019 and they noticed the sewage problem affecting the river.
“During this year, many of the lodges, wedding venues, restaurants, and game parks have been noticing the change in the quality of the river water.”
She said the community has repeatedly tried to make Mogale City Local Municipality aware of the pollution and the dangers it poses.
“We recently had an analysis of the river water done and the pollution levels are alarmingly high in many areas and are considered dangerous for humans and animals. Even some boreholes are nearing dangerous levels of contamination. I am not impressed with the lack of maintenance or support that Mogale City is giving our community. Cholera and other dangerous water diseases are a real threat to our community, especially the local informal settlements who have no option but to use the river water.”
Bain said if the problem is not dealt with quickly and efficiently, they and other businesses along the river are likely to close down.
“Our fish are dying and our guests complain about the smell. The river flows into Hartbeespoort and leaves a wake of sewage in dams along the way, including the Lake Heritage Dam. Many vegetable farms along this route utilise the river water for irrigation of food production.”
Brookwood supports three families and employs eight staff members who also have families, as well as four casual staff members over weekends.
“Many of our staff have been with us for between 15 and 23 years and sadly we are already discussing the loss of all our jobs.”
When asked what she thinks should be done, she said Mogale City needs to use the money they were given to upgrade and maintain Percy Steward and if they can not account for missing funds, the sewage works need to be privatised and the rates paid to the new owners. She also believes they should be responsible for the rehabilitation of the river and the loss of business to owners along the river.
“To sum this up I feel it is a lose-lose situation due to a total lack of governance. I can’t say I am proud to be part of it anymore.”
