Mosquitoes sprayed in Winklespruit
Mosquito larvae couldn't be detected in the stream between the Kingsburgh Wastewater Treatment Works and river intake due to sewage contamination.
ON Monday, the Vector Control Unit of the eThekwini Environmental Health Department attended a site meeting that was held following complaints of excessive mosquitoes around Winklespruit and Warner Beach.
Ward 97 councillor André Beetge, who facilitated the meeting, said samples taken at the lagoon in Winklespruit confirmed excessive mosquito larvae.
Also read: River sprayed for mosquitoes in Isipingo Beach
“Samples taken at the Little Amanzimtoti River closer to the Warnerdoone Ski Boat Club also had larvae but far fewer. Water flow in the stream between the Kingsburgh Wastewater Treatment Works and river intake was confirmed to be contaminated with sewage, and it was too dark to detect any larvae,” said Beetge.
Due to strong winds, only minimal pesticide could be sprayed, but Beetge said the Winklespruit Lifesaving Club allowed for the use of its boat to spray in more favourable conditions.
“The Wastewater Department has been requested to investigate the cause of the outfall into the stream,” said Beetge.
In August, sections of the Isipingo River were sprayed for mosquitoes by the vector control unit in Isipingo Beach after residents complained of mosquitoes. The infestation had apparently started after hyacinth covered the river and created perfect conditions for mosquitoes to breed.
In a statement, eThekwini Municipality said pest control plays a key role in the prevention and control of major vector-borne diseases.
“Transmission of disease from pest infestations can occur in both the internal and external environment of premises through contamination of equipment, surfaces, food or water,” it said.
The scope of profession for the Environmental Health Department prescribes the role of environmental health practitioners in vector-control monitoring, including the identifying of pests and their habitats and breeding places, as well as conducting vector control in the interest of public health.
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