‘No life left in river’ – Margate beach temporarily currently closed
The mechanical failure experienced at Margate pump station 4A last week resulted in the sewage spill.
UPDATE:
Margate beach is currently closed for recreational activities, as Ray Nkonyeni Municipality is breaching the river mouth.
ALSO READ: WATCH: New spill leaves Margate reeling – beach and lagoon closed
Ugu spokesman France Zama said earlier today that proper signage had been erected by Ugu Disaster/ Environmental Services and visitors are urged to comply with the signage.
Ward 2 Councillor Dave Watson said the damage to the Nkongweni River system below Faerie Glen in Margate is extensive and the pollution is ongoing.
“This is a huge environmental and public safety disaster and stringent actions are being undertaken to mitigate and investigate causes, potential culpability and environmental restoration. The SPCA are also having to assist with relocating the flocks of water based birds with fledglings. The fish and eels we can do nothing about, unfortunately. Please stay away from the river and estuary until further notice and do not enter the water, especially if you have any open wounds!”
ORIGINAL STORY:
A large number of fish and other marine species have died in the Nkongweni River and estuary system as a result of a large sewage spill from the wastewater treatment works near Faerie Glen in Margate.
Ugu spokesman, France Zama confirmed that the mechanical failure experienced at Margate pump station 4A last week resulted in the spill.
The latest disaster has infuriated Margate residents.
Cheryl Mollett told the Herald that the stench from the river was horrific, and they were shocked at the number of dead fish, and the health risk it posed.
Kenneth Goldswain said he was sad and angry about the state of the river.
“This morning there was no life in the river….no fish on the surface looking for oxygen… sad indeed.”
Councillor Dave Watson said he had notified the Environmental Management Inspectorate (Green Scorpions), KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs and the Department of Water and Sanitation.
“This is not only an environmental disaster but is a threat to public health and safety,” he said.
“The dead fish were removed on Tuesday as a public health action, as it was noted that people were gathering the fish for consumption.
“The birdlife seems to be ok for now, but there is a concern for the fledgelings that cannot fly to other locations.
“The estuary and mouth area have been closed and I would advise everyone to stay clear of the water, especially if they have any open wounds (no matter how small).”
Mr Zama said the municipality’s emergency teams had been dispatched to restore the area while taking samples of the water for testing.
“Water samples taken were found to be non-compliant, which necessitated that the river mouth be closed as a preventative measure.
Ugu Sanitation Services is deploying other suitable means to relieve the pump station, like redirecting outflow from the wet well into aerators at the Margate wastewater treatment works.”
He said Environmental Health Services, with the assistance of disaster management had put up warning signs prohibiting the use of the lagoon for recreational purposes.
“The situation is under control, and mechanical works to restore the station have resumed. The dead fish found were as a result of the oxygen demand from the river, and have since been removed. The team is monitoring the site.”
Mr Watson said demands had been made for the mouth to be opened and the beach closed until the public health all-clear was given.
“Demands have also been made for access to the investigation to ascertain what caused the spill, what repairs are being done, who (if anybody) was responsible and what environmental clean-up and river system restoration is being undertaken,” he said.
