Cape Town - Ongoing frustrations over the foul stench emanating from the Diep River and Milnerton Lagoon have seen a resident take to renaming the waterways by tampering with municipal signage.
Motorists travelling along Otto Du Plessis Drive in Milnerton this week captured images showing the Diep River had been changed amid ongoing sewage spills into the stormwater system and subsequently the river.
The pictures of the sign changed to “Diepk@k River” sparked various responses as social media users expressed their frustrations with the ongoing stench and questioned why the municipality had not yet resolved the issue, which has been raging on for years.
According to residents, this is not the first time an individual has changed the signage.
Caroline Marx, director of RethinkTheStink, says Milnerton residents are frustrated.
“Milnerton residents are incredibly frustrated that almost five years after the WC Minister of Environment Anton Bredell issued a directive instructing the City to stop polluting the Milnerton Lagoon or face fines of up to R10 million, that a foul stench hangs over the area again caused by City officials allowing huge quantities of raw or partially treated sewage to flow into the river over the past few months.”
She said the stench is being caused by toxic gases severely impacting the residents’ quality of life.
Boule van der Ems of the Milnerton Central Residents’ Association, said the pollution has frustrated residents who wait patiently for the upgrades to the Potsdam Waste Water Plant to be completed.
“At this stage we have been informed that once the Potsdam plant is complete the problems will be alleviated but there seems to be no shortterm interventions. We attend the feedback meetings and many promises are made but the problem persists and the community is frustrated.”
Mayco member for water and sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, said there are various sources of pollution impacting the water quality in the Diep River.
“Upgrading and maintenance are under way, including sewer infrastructure, and advanced pipe relining techniques. Efforts include increasing vacuum tanker deployment, regular cleaning of low-flow diversions, and vegetation management to mitigate odours and improve water flow.”
He said the municipality has now issued two Requests for Quotations (RFQs) for nano-bubble technology and the procurement of enzymes, closing on December 13 and 23.
“These RFQs aim to provide short-term remediation solutions. During this time, Milnerton Lagoon, Milnerton Estuary Mouth and Lagoon Beach remain closed for swimming due to pollution in the Diep River.”
Badroodien warned that the City would correct the signage and there are penalties for residents found changing it.
“The City will take the necessary remedial action to rectify the signage. Any person found defacing City signage will be held liable for their actions.”