Sol Plaatje municipality criminally charged following botulism outbreak
A number of birds have died due to an outbreak of botulism, a bacterial illness that causes muscle paralysis. Picture supplied
A criminal case has been opened against Sol Plaatje municipality as a result of the non-functioning wastewater treatment plants in Homevale and Beaconsfield, where raw sewage is polluting Kamfers Dam.
Numerous bird species have died due to suspected botulism and contamination of the water source.
Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation Amogelang Moholoeng on Tuesday said to date 136 dead birds were collected from four different localities along the pan.
“Botulism is suspected to be the cause as other causes have been ruled out. Only one flamingo has died. The bird experts indicated that the flamingos will move away if conditions are not suitable.”
He added that all carcasses had been removed except for the few that were eaten by scavengers.
“The water tested positive for clostridium. The chemical oxygen demand was 1 150 milligrams per litre (mg/)l which is much higher than the legal limit of 75 mg/l. This is an indication of pollution from sewage with anaerobic conditions where botulism flourishes.”
Moholoeng warned that the water was not safe for consumption and was toxic to the environment.
“The high levels of sewage pollution has had a significant impact on the environment and habitat.
”A criminal case was made against Sol Plaatje local municipality for pollution from Homevale, Beaconsfield Waste water plants and pump stations.“
A resident Brenda Booth will meanwhile return to court next year in an attempt to compel Sol Plaatje municipality to remedy the problem.
An environmental specialist and scientist researching the lessor flamingo at Kamfers Dam, Ester van der Westhuizen-Coetzer stated that she was also investigating the deaths.
“The botulism strain is only affecting birds at this stage.”
She indicated that there were little or no flamingos on site, due to the raised water levels and unfavourable conditions.
‘Flamingos haven’t been breeding at Kamfersdam since 2020. Depending on the conditions, they would usually start breeding in October and November.”
Sol Plaatje municipality indicated that it would respond to media enquiries in the new year.