LIMPOPO – IT remains unclear as to when farming activities will go back to business in the Modimolle region following the spillage of sulphuric acid that contaminated the Nyl River a fortnight ago.
Following the incident, farmers in the area have suspended agricultural activities.
A truck carrying sulphuric acid overturned at the intersection of Thabo Mbeki and Nelson Mandela Streets in town and the acid spilt into the water course.
The Nyl River is the major source of water for farmers in the Modimolle area.
Following the hazardous spillage, officials from the department of water affairs started a cleaning campaign, using wheelbarrows to carry lime to the river to neutralise the acid.
The incident has since sparked outrage among farmers and the Waterberg District Municipality.
The farmers blame the district municipality for the incident.
One of the farmers, Johan Abrie confirmed they have suspended agricultural activities after fish and other water species died as a result of the spillage.
Abrie alleged the municipality could have prevented the acid from spilling into the river.
“After sulphuric acid spilt onto a tar road, the municipality failed to cover the affected area and build a buffer zone so it couldn’t spill into the river.
“Instead of following international regulations and protocol on how to treat this situation, the municipality decided to wash it into the river.
“That is the most inhumanely possible thing they could have done.”
However, Waterberg District municipal manager, Sam Mabotja refuted the statement, reassuring the farmers that department water affairs is dealing with the matter diligently.
Retired zoologist, Prof Prinsloo, said the sulphuric acid that polluted the Nyl River is a danger to environment and its natural species.
He said delays in treating the polluted water will have a negative effect on the ecological system.
“Sulphuric acid is a difficult chemical when it comes into contact with water as certain reactions start to take place.
“Some very serious toxic substances will be formed and it will definitely affect the plant and other millions of macrobiotics in the water, that play a very important role in keeping ecological balance,” said Prinsloo.
Nyl-river-polluted-with-sulfuric-acid
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