Ward 132 councillor concerned about Juksei River’s contaminated water

Local ward councillor vows to probe the root cause of water pollution and take immediate action to mitigate the adverse effects on the ecosystem.

August 16, 2024

Sphiwe Masilela 2 minutes read

Foamy and dirty Juskei River water. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

Sewage spills are a possible cause of water contamination in the Juskei River, notoriously known for pollution abuse for many years.

Sewage sludge found in the Juskei River water. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

This is according to Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe who said this poses a huge public health risk to the Waterfall community.

Deppe, Arno Botham, maintenance and facilities manager of the Waterfall Country Village, and Environmental and Infrastructure Service Department conducted a site visit to the river on August 8.
The purpose was to find long-lasting solutions to the cause of dead fish, and possibly rehabilitate the river to accommodate fishes and other marine mammals.

As soon as the site inspection began, there was a strong sewage stench emanating from the river, along with human waste and foreign objects found in the river.
After the inspection, Deppe praised the environmental health practitioners for taking swift action to conduct water sampling.

About 30 to 40 dead fishes found in the Juskei River. Photo: Supplied

“I am reporting back on the mucky conditions of the Juskei River which led to the discovery of dead fishes in the Waterfall area. The water sampling will be sent to the labs to be tested, and this should take about two weeks to get a response. Once we get the response, we will come back to the public and inform them where the sewage comes from. I urge residents not to panic and not touch the water until we have the results back,” said Deppe.

Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

In a brief statement on August 2, Deppe raised deep concerns over the ecosystem and pollution in the river. “Over the past four days, we have been retrieving between 30 to 40 dead fish per day from contaminated Jukskei River water and local dams in Waterfall.

Waterfall Country Village maintenance and facilities manager Arno Botha and Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe.Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

Also read: Community members clean Jukskei despite rain

“This disturbing event highlights the increasingly poor water quality in these bodies of water. Our water has never been this black and dirty, posing a significant environmental and public health concern.

Human waste found in the Waterfall Country Village's irrigation dam. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela — Human waste found in the Waterfall Country Village’s irrigation dam. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

“We will investigate the root cause of this alarming situation and take immediate action to mitigate the adverse effects on our ecosystem. We urge residents to avoid contact with the river and dam water until further notice.”

Foreign objects also found in the contaminated Juskei River water. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

Deppe said they also call upon relevant authorities and environmental organisations to collaborate with them to address this critical public health risk swiftly.

Human waste which causes sewage sludge found in the irrigation dam. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

“Your co-operation and understanding during this time is greatly appreciated. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”