AN ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER SAVE has discovered that sewage which is no longer leaking at pump stations near Vereeniging is being channelled to the Rietspruit Water Works. SAVE made this discovery during an in situ inspection of sewage works when it was found that the Rietspruit Works are not functional. Water tests at the Rietspruit works revealed that thousands of mega litres of raw sewage continue to flow into the Vaal River via the Rietspruit and Loch Vaal, causing further pollution which is a serious health hazard to humans, fish and birds and a major ecological disaster. SAVE plans to embark on yet a further court action against Emfuleni to rectify this problem and stop this criminal conduct. The Vaal river below Vereeniging is so polluted that it is dangerous for any human being to have contact with the water. Thousands of rotting fish contribute to an increasing health risk. The stench of rotting fish (and sewage) is unbearable in certain areas. Emfuleni Municipality, which caused the spillage and resultant dead fish and other animals has been requested to remove the dead fish and birds from the River immediately and to give an undertaking that this will be done by the weekend of 6/7 December 2008. As Emfuleni failed to act, SAVE will, once again, approach the High Court for assistance to prevent the further pollution of the Vaal River. River users must please be aware that the water will not be safe for a considerable period of time and that contact with the water is dangerous to humans. SAVE is also making contact with the Department of Water Affairs and Rand Water with an appeal to ‘flush’ the barrage reservoire by opening more gates at the Vaal Barrage. Rotting fish in themselves create a further health problem. Raw sewage in the water is highly dangerous and can cause illnesses such as typhoid, cholera, dysentery, cryptosporidium cysts and giardia cysts. It also leads to the formation of cyano bacteria in the water which is an extremely toxic algae which can kill off both aquatic and bird life, as experienced over the past two weeks. Donations to SAVE can be made into its account at FNB Vanderbijl Park (25094500) account number 512-900-844-03 – fax payment record to 086 672 9361). Issued by Lötter Wepener |