Cape Town – all that glitters is not gold

The AfriForum branch in Cape Town North had water tests performed on a water sample from the Swart River via an independent laboratory, and the results are disturbing: E. coli levels are 50 times higher than the allowed maximum that may be released by a sewage plant.

“South African legislation does not allow any pollution, but regulations make provision for E. coli levels of up to 1 000 cfu/100 ml,” says Bernard Pieters, Environmental Spokesperson for AfriForum’s Cape Town North branch.

The testing point is 1,3 km before the outlet into the sea, which means that the high E. coli levels can have an influence on sea life. The Milnerton Lake is also situated near the testing point and this pollution can subsequently present negative consequences to the lake. Further risks include that the polluted water can push up against the coast and beaches and contaminate fishing areas.

“AfriForum must monitor the quality of the drinking and sewage water of the communities by itself, because Government is refusing to perform its duties in this case,” says Tommy van Zyl, Chairperson of AfriForum’s Cape Town North branch.

AfriForum will institute its own investigation to determine the cause of the pollution.