This was highlighted by water scientist Prof. Anthony Turton, at the first public meeting of the Vaal Action Group (VAG), held on Saturday 25 August. VAG was established on 4 August 2018, with the main aim of stopping the pollution of the Vaal River system. Hundreds of dead fish have already been found in the Vaal River.
When looking at the quality of our water systems, it seems that the government’s failure has a trickle-down effect on local municipalities, who fail to plan and maintain local sewage works and pump stations.
Turton said one of the biggest dangers of polluted water is the poisonous gasses from the algae growing in it. He referred to the regular algae foam on the Hartbeespoortdam and said that it is probably the most polluted dam in the world.
He pointed out that the Vaal and Orange Rivers maintain 60% of the South African economy, and that if the country’s water resources become polluted, it can have a disastrous effect on the country’s economy.
According to Turton, only 14% of all South Africa’s sewage waste is purified. The rest flows into our rivers without being purified.
He feels the time has come to stop being polite, afraid and angry and to hold politicians and officials accountable for not doing their duty. ‘They have a responsibility towards communities.’
The substandard quality of the water has been confirmed from water samples taken at three points along the Vaal River and tested by an independent laboratory.
This could have serious health consequences, was said.
As a first step, VAG intends to send a memorandum to the Ngwathe Local Municipality to seek cooperation in resolving the issue of water pollution. Should this fail, the asso-ciation will, as a last resort, pursue the legal path.
It was not all doom and gloom though. A demonstration was given at the meeting how polluted water could be restored by using a completely natural product.
Public reaction revealed the readiness to take action as attendees pointed out the Weiveld dumping site as one point of concern, among others.
The local public was invited to take action by organising projects in town, with VAG assisting where possible.
Furthermore, Johan de Klerk, invited towns in the Vaal River catchment area to undertake similar coordinated initiatives by joining VAG.
To join the Vaal Action Group, go to www.vaalactiongroup.co.za. VAG will be making documents available on their website for use by the public to report issues to their local municipalities.
