DURBAN - A NEWCASTLE-BASED company has been accused by the local municipality of polluting the environment by allegedly contaminating Amcor Dam and Ncandu River.
The contamination, which allegedly took place last week, has raised environmental concerns after thick foam and dead fish were seen floating in the water.
The municipality said it had linked the chemical pollutant to a local laundry shop, which was owned by Faizel Cassim, who is a mayoral candidate for ActionSA in the local government elections. However, Cassim has denied any wrongdoing and claimed the allegations were politically motivated.
The municipality said it was made aware of the incident after it was shown a video of foam flowing through Amcor Dam’s waterfall. It said the municipality’s environmental unit instituted an investigation into the cause.
Municipal manager Vish Govender said a preliminary investigation had established that the “foam” and contamination of the water sources had been orchestrated.
Govender said chemical pollutants were deliberately channelled to the Amcor Dam waterfall to stir public fury.
“A group of fishermen also approached my office and were complaining about dead fish in the water. One of a farmer’s two cattle died after they drank the water down the stream, and a formal complaint was lodged with the municipality.
“The municipality calls upon the alleged mastermind behind this environmental hazard, to co-operate and comply with investigations,” said Govender.
He said the matter had been brought to the attention of law enforcement and the KZN Department of Environmental Affairs for investigation.
Govender said the municipality would issue a fine against the company for the contravention of by-laws.
The municipality urged residents to remain calm as tests were being conducted to ensure that water was safe.
Cassim said the allegations against him were false and politically motivated. He said the municipality’s infrastructure, which had been failing since 2014, was to blame for the contamination.
“The water is not coming from my company as my chemicals are not going to the stormwater,” he said. He added that they had approached an independent company to take samples for testing, and the results would be made known on Friday.
KZN provincial police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala confirmed that a case of illegal dumping had been opened at Newcastle SAPS.
KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs spokesperson Bheki Mbanjwa said: “The department was made aware of this particular pollution incident on the 1st of October 2021. Immediately our inspectors were dispatched to the area to conduct an inspection. This inspection included the taking of water and soil samples. Our investigation is now at an advanced stage and its findings will determine what action is taken by the Department.”
THE MERCURY