Poisonous chemicals have been dumped into the Mlumati
River in Swaziland / eSwatini killing hundreds of fish and affecting more than
3,000 people who rely on its water.
It happened near Lufafa Gold Mine. The Mlumati
River supports communities at Lufafa, Hhelehhele, Mbasheni, Ntfonjeni,
Zibonele, Emvembili, Matsamo, Timphisini and Driekoppies. It also serves parts
of neighbouring South Africa.
According
to the Swazi Observer poisoned
waste entered the river on Monday (7 January 2019).
Hhelehhele caretaker chief Prince Nkhosi Mankenya said children gathered dead fish, cooked and ate them. He said, ‘It is a sad truth that people, mostly children, are collecting and eating the dead fish. I have asked community police to try and remove as much of the dead fish as possible from the community for disposal into dug up pits.’
The eSwatini Environment Authority has collected water samples for testing. Communications Officer Belusile Mhlanga told the Observer, ‘These samples are to be analysed in a laboratory to identify the cause of death in the fish. After establishing the cause of death, we will then approach the suspects with evidence in hand. At this particular point, the suspects will be given time to explain if the toxic water dumping was intentional or an accident.’
Hhelehhele caretaker chief Prince Nkhosi Mankenya said children gathered dead fish, cooked and ate them. He said, ‘It is a sad truth that people, mostly children, are collecting and eating the dead fish. I have asked community police to try and remove as much of the dead fish as possible from the community for disposal into dug up pits.’
The eSwatini Environment Authority has collected water samples for testing. Communications Officer Belusile Mhlanga told the Observer, ‘These samples are to be analysed in a laboratory to identify the cause of death in the fish. After establishing the cause of death, we will then approach the suspects with evidence in hand. At this particular point, the suspects will be given time to explain if the toxic water dumping was intentional or an accident.’
She added, ‘After this grace period, the suspects are
then arrested and brought before court for the illegal disposal of toxic waste.
If found guilty, they face a fine of E250,000 [US$18,000] for their reckless
disposal of the waste. It is important to note that most organisations have
government permits to dispose of their waste after treating it.’
National Disaster Management Agency Communications Officer Wandile Mavuso said currently the incident could not be labelled a disaster but people should be careful and avoid eating the dead fish until all information is collected.
National Disaster Management Agency Communications Officer Wandile Mavuso said currently the incident could not be labelled a disaster but people should be careful and avoid eating the dead fish until all information is collected.
The poisoning highlights the poor state of water
provision in Swaziland. According to WaterAid
almost one in three of the kingdom’s 1.3 million people do not have clean water
and two in five have nowhere to go to the toilet. More than 200 children aged under five die
each year from diarrhoea.
According
to the eSwatini Environment Authority the main sources
of pollution in rivers in Swaziland are agricultural activities. Pollution from
fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and other agrochemicals is thought to be
increasing. Another source of agricultural pollution is livestock excreta.
See also
King
makes poor use filthy water
https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/2018/04/king-makes-poor-use-filthy-water.html
Gold mine adds to Swazi King’s wealth
https://swazimedia.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/gold-mine-adds-to-swazi-kings-wealth.html
Gold mine adds to Swazi King’s wealth
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