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Mysterious ‘orange sludge’ contaminates stream

Contaminated water has been running through the stream at the Rinaldo Park for nearly three months.

FOR nearly three months, the ward 110 councillor, Pete Graham, has been battling to find a resolution to an ‘orange sludge’ that has contaminated the stream running through the Rinaldo Park.

To date, he said, City officials have been unable to determine the source or type of the contamination.

The Durban North resident said one of his biggest concerns was for the children at the Malacca Road Informal Settlement, which lies at the back of the park.

“I have often seen the children play in the stream. This is extremely concerning, because we have no idea what the source of this contamination is. If it is linked to sewerage, the water can be highly toxic if it enters the body through an open wound. People also walk their dogs at the park, and the dogs drink the water,” he said.

Graham said the slow response from officials was not only frustrating but also unacceptable.

“Here we have a pollutant or contaminant running into our suburbs and it has not elicited any real action from the city, despite numerous e-mails and phone calls. Officials aren’t even prepared to put up a warning sign,” he said.

The councillor said he has been in contact with the parks, water and health departments.

Two weeks ago Graham received an e-mailed response from the health department, saying that they have had to take a second sample as they had ‘used the wrong bottle’ for the first sample.

In the e-mail, which was forwarded to the Northglen News, the official stated that the department has managed to trace the sludge as far as the transfer station on Malacca Road.

Graham said he had gone as far as sending a letter to the deputy city manager, but has received no response.

“This seems to be going nowhere fast, and has reached a point where I will have to go and sit in someone’s office to try and get some response,” he said.

 

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