Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe said she has now written to the health department and city manager over delayed response regarding Jukskei River lab results.
Following the discovery of dead fish in the Waterfall part of the river, Deppe conducted a site visit with the Environmental Health department on August 18.
Then officials from the health department took water sample to be tested to determine the cause of dead fishes and the extent of the contaminated water.
The promise to Deppe was that the water sampling results will be back within two weeks of conducting the site inspections. However, over a month later Deppe said she has yet to receive the lab results.
“This was around early August and it’s now late September, I am still awaiting for the lab report of the tests done on the Jukskei that was sent to the lab. I have written to the health department and to the city manager to enquire about the delayed lab results,” said Deppe.
In an article, Councillor urge to widen river probe, [Week ending 13 September], Deppe urged the investigation authorities to rigorously broaden their focus and probe.
She said is vital for the welfare of her community and the preservation of their environment that no potential source of contamination is overlooked.
Also read: JW appoints contractor to rehabilitate contaminated Jukskei River
“Engage with independent environmental experts to validate the investigation process and provide regular updates to the public on the progress of the investigation. I, Councillor [Annette] Deppe, will continue to advocate for comprehensive measures to safeguard our natural resources and hold the responsible entities accountable. I believe that a complete and impartial investigation is the only way to ensure the protection of our river and the health of our citizens,” said Deppe.
The Johannesburg Water (JW) appointed an independent contractor to do the remediation of the sewer spillage into
the river from August 15 to August 29.
Over a month later, JW’s communication department acknowledged our query sent to them on September 12.
“The Midrand Depot is not aware of it, and that it perhaps falls under the Zandfontein Depot. So I have forwarded your query to the Zandfotnein and I am awaiting their feedback”.
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