NCANDU RIVER: Officials predict an ‘environmental disaster’
With the river a cesspool for bacteria to flourish in, Doctor Imran Keeka said there would soon be an outbreak or influx of other water borne diseases.
To solve the problem, one must go back to the source.
Democratic Alliance Shadow Minister of Environmental Affairs, Thomas Hadebe and KwaZulu-Natal Spokesperson on Health, Doctor Imran Keeka embarked on an oversight of Ncandu River on August 25.
Warning the media of the putrid smell, Mr Hadebe pointed to a stormwater drain that was leaking raw sewage directly into the river along the banks of Newcastle Taxi Rank.
Mr Hadebe explained Ncandu River had been an eyesore from the time he took office as a councillor years ago.
“It’s an ongoing problem, but it’s getting worse. There is raw sewage flowing into the river, which flows down to the wetlands and is used as drinking water for animals by the farming community.”
He warned that Newcastle may well be on the brink of a widespread crisis.
“According to Dr Keeka, we might be on the verge of a cholera outbreak.”
With the river a cesspool for bacteria to flourish in, Dr Keeka said there would soon be an outbreak or influx of other water borne diseases.
“We will address the matter with Newcastle Municipality, but we need to draw the attention of national government,” said Mr Hadebe. “We can’t have this kind of situation anymore.”
Dr Keeka claimed the community was fortunate that Mr Hadebe lived in Newcastle.
“This is an issue that Mr Hadebe drove when he was on the committee of Community Services, where he represented the party. We have to bring national focus onto this.”
Mr Hadebe said the issue should have been resolved years ago. He explained the leakage was as a direct result of pipes that had burst, allowing waste to flow into the stormwater system.
“I’m really frustrated!” exclaimed Mr Hadebe. “I will call for the Green Scorpions to come down and test the water.”
The officials reiterated that the community is on the brink of an environmental disaster.
They were skeptical about the municipality’s most recent promise to physically extract the Pistia Stratiotes, or water cabbage from the river.
The DA maintained the cause of the water cabbage should be dealt with before any further action was taken.
According to reports, the municipality has since applied for R5-million in funding in order to obtain the necessary equipment for the mammoth extraction. The machinery is scheduled to be acquired in the coming months.
However, the question remains: is it too late for Ncandu River?
