No response and no action for Ncandu River
The water results were compared to effluent water standards, and the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry’s scale for effluent was used to compare the results.
The Newcastle Municipality has failed yet again to respond to questions regarding the current condition of the Ncandu River.
A list of six questions was sent to the Communications Department on October 3, asking for response by October 9.
To date, the Newcastle Advertiser has received no official feedback regarding these questions, despite communications officers’ assurance that a response would be forthcoming.
While the municipality drags its feet on this issue, the Ncandu River continues to deteriorate drastically.
The following are the questions as sent by an Advertiser reporter to the municipal communications department on October 3:
Worrying test results have been brought to my attention regarding water pollution in the Ncandu River.
The results have shown the E.coli count to be off the charts, basically making the water a health hazard for humans and livestock.
The water results were compared to effluent water standards, and the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry’s scale for said was used to compare the results.
It must be noted that I do not carry knowledge of the full scope of the municipality’s problems with regards to maintenance and funding for upgrades etc. I hereby request an outline of the situation as the municipality currently views it, and what challenges the department faces on a daily basis. This is in essence a bid to report the alarming amount of pollution fairly and accurately.
In this regard, please find the following questions for the attention of the water department:
1. Currently, the source of the pollution has been attributed to a number of leaking sewerage mains, which are spilling directly into the river. Is the municipality aware of the situation surrounding the failing sewerage infrastructure?
2. It is understandable that the sewerage systems in some areas are old and need constant maintenance. In this regard, what measures have been put in place in standing with the budget, for sewer upgrades and reticulation maintenance?
3. How many sewage leaks are currently ongoing to the knowledge of the municipality, and how many of these are recurring problems that would require a large amount of funds and work to rectify appropriately?
4. Does maintenance of the sewerage system happen as scheduled, or is there a reactive approach to leaks and blockages?
5. At this stage, how old is the actual infrastructure running through town? Please also highlight newer areas, in conjunction with the problem areas and the respective age of infrastructure in these areas.
6. River clean up projects have been initiated by the municipality. Please may you provide more background on these projects and their purpose?
Please note, a response to above questions will be required by no later than Tuesday, October 7 by 11am.
It is also noted that a response as requested is a large amount of work. An article will run next week in our publication, highlighting the problems and the assessment from private professionals. If the municipality so agrees, a follow-up article can then be placed the week after. This will then ask for a response to be submitted by no later than Thursday, October 9.
Please inform if the above is to the satisfaction of the communications department and the officials who will be tasked with the duty of responding.
The Newcastle Municipality has yet to issue any statement on the condition of the river and its plans to treat the problem.
