What was once a beautiful place for Newcastle residents to sit back, relax and fish has now turned into a mass of filthy, polluted water which emanates a stench that leaves one sick to their stomach.
Large amounts of what has been dubbed as “magical foam” can be seen on the embankment of the Amcor Dam’s waterfall in Ncandu Park. The source of pollution is from wastewater treatment works due to sewer blockages, poor operations and lack of maintenance. Local businessman and conservationist, Hannes Hartman, contacted the Newcastle Express after noticing the presence of thick foam floating on top of the water at Amcor Dam. “I was very disturbed when I saw this. The foam was everywhere and with it being a windy day, it was even making its way onto the road.” “I am very concerned not only for residents’ welfare but also that of the ecosystem,” said Hartman. He further explained that as a child, he used to frequent the dam on family outings. “I used to frequent this place as a child. It was so beautiful. I still have pictures of what it used to look like. It’s sad because we cannot bring our children here anymore. Many are not aware of the vast wildlife that benefit from a place like Amcor Dam,” said Hartman.
Some of the wildlife includes the serval – a wild cat that resembles a cheetah. It is a solitary carnivore which is active both day and night and preys on rodents, small birds, frogs, insects and reptiles. “We have seen this animal many times; it feeds in the area and lives here. We cannot continue to allow dumping and sewage to be spilled into the dam. I am willing to do anything in order to assist the municipality in its clean-up efforts. I am also willing to get other businesses on board to assist,” said Hartman. Sanjeev Singh, an avid fisherman, shares the same sentiments. “We need to protect the wildlife and the ecosystem. The water is filthy and polluted. There is even a dead chicken floating in the water. The litter and plastic that is regularly dumped is horrifying to see – even at the weir. When we were kids we used to frequent the place, go fishing and have picnics there. Now you cannot even go there because of the stench and pollution. That is why I decided to team up with Hannes and approach the municipality,” said Singh.
The Newcastle Express contacted Acting Municipal Manager, Vish Govender, and he immediately asked that a meeting be arranged with Hartman and Singh on 15 September to enable them to voice their concerns, along with engineers and management of the Municipality. “I am a horticulturist by profession so I fully understand the situation which was presented at the meeting. I give my surety that the situation will be dealt with as a matter of urgency,” said Govender. The municipal team visited all the sites of concern, including the Railway Houses in Patterson Street as well as a problematic area in Van Der Bijl Street and found that raw sewage was leaking into the river. “The problem is a collapsed sewer and I have agreed that my team arrange an external service provider and repair it with immediate effect,” said Govender who also thanked the residents, Hartman and Singh, for coming forward to offer solutions to remedy the situation and for their concern towards the well-being of the town.
