Raw sewage leaks into the Baakens, killing fish

[Frankie]

What is it with Africa?
They have a total disregard for the environment in their own backyards, and then mouth off at the international emissions conference trying to get compensation from the developed nations (for more BLING)

Raw sewage leaks into the Baakens, killing fish

WE have the pleasure of living on the banks of the Baakens River off Target Kloof. Often my kids will fish in the river or take the dog swimming and throw stick in for him to retrieve.

An advantage is that we are able to water our garden using the river water during these times of drought, but a huge disadvantage is the constant stream of raw sewage that leaks into the river.

This happens very regularly, but never as bad as this past week.

The river is soot-black and stinking with sewage, and our calls to the water department have yielded no results.

Apart from the stench and disgusting water, is the fact that the fish are dying, and a family of seven Cape clawless otters who regularly frequent the pool at the base of the cliff have abandoned the area. On Monday morning another stream of sewage was flowing across Target Kloof into Chelmsford Avenue and also into the river at the newly built bridge.

I cannot understand how the municipality can allow this to continue – in fact they are violating our right to a healthy environment.

 

[Sting]

For folks who don't know, the Baakens River is in the middle of town. It separates the CBD from South End....

This is really SHOCKING!!!!

 

[I am Penguin]

Yep, back to the bush it is! Degenerating Africa!

 

[ponder]

In africa we ***** where we eat...

 

[ToAsTeD]

WTF!

 

[Frankie]

Redhouse River Mile moves to Sunday's River-Toxic waste threatens future of Swartkops

And this is not the only river in PE contaminated with sewage.

Redhouse River Mile moves to Sunday's River
http://www.redhouserivermile.co.za/


http://www.portelizabeth.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=940&Itemid=70

The 2010 SPAR Redhouse River Mile, Africa’s oldest open water swimming event, which is taking place over the weekend of 27/28 February is being moved to Cannonville on the Sundays River due to dangerously high levels of pollution in the Swartkops River.

“The decision to move the event was not something which we've taken lightly but the health and well being of our participants is paramount,” says race organiser, Mike Zoetmulder of Zports in Port Elizabeth. “Following numerous meetings with regards to the water quality, the Municipality advised us in writing on Monday (26th January) that they are unable to guarantee the quality in the Swartkops River and would not support the event at the present venue.”

 

[Nod]

The way government (local and national) manages the country's water, it would seem we have endless renewable supplies of it.