Litter bugs endanger ecosystem

STAFF at the Durban Green Corridor have expressed concerns over the effects litter and pollution are having on the biodiversity at Blue Lagoon.

Siphiwe Rakgable, a guide at the Green Hub at Blue Lagoon (which forms part of the Green Corridor) said they had noticed an alarming decline in the fish population within the Umgeni River. The white milkwood trees north of the river were also dying and struggling to grow, which places other species that the vegetation is suppose to protect in danger.

According to Rakgable, the waste changes the chemical balance of the water in the river, making it difficult for the fauna and flora to survive.

This follows months of complaints from the Durban community regarding the mess left by beach-goers and holiday revellers along the Durban beachfront.

On Wednesday last week after the Reconciliation Day celebrations the scene along the beach was no different. Broken glass, beer cans, glass bottles, half-eaten meals on paper plates as well as take-away boxes were strewn along the beach and the grounds around the Green Hub. Some of the litter had also found its way into the river.

Chantal Pillay, the tourism manager at Durban Green Corridor, said the litter has become a major concern.

“Despite our efforts of working with NGOs, schools and other volunteers to help keep the area clean, it has been difficult to keep up with the abuse of the beach,” she said.

Pillay said there was no excuse for the littering and general abuse of the beach and its facilities. “There are a lot of rubbish bins in the area and the municipality has also placed additional bins to compensate for the influx of holiday makers,” she said.

– Groups or individuals that are keen to volunteer their time in aid of the Green Corridor are urged to contact Pillay on chantal.pillay@durban.gov.za.

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