(Photo: SAnews.gov.za/Twitter)
The Department of Water and Sanitation is aware of the recent incident of fish deaths at the Hartbeespoort Dam in the North West.
The department is working with the Sefako Makgatho University of Health Sciences (Medunsa) in Gauteng to examine and analyze samples from the dam to determine the cause.
The fish deaths were reported on Tuesday and according to Wisane Mavasa, spokesperson for the department, a full statement will be issued as soon as the investigation is completed.
The incident took place at the Hartbeespoort Dam near Ifafi, at the Ifafi Water Sports Club and the Schoemansville Shore Club.
“Hartbeespoort Optimum Fisheries and Research responded to the incident and conducted a short assessment after which an aerator – a machine that pumps oxygen underwater – was brought and deployed which improved the situation,” Mavasa explains.
“Some fish that were found alive on the site were removed and transferred to a pond where they are currently recovering. No further fish kills have occurred since then.”
Regarding the problem of hyacinth ingrowth at the dam, the department recently appointed its service provider, Magalies Water, to develop a resource management and restoration plan for the dam.
“The aim is to tackle the poor water quality in the upstream catchment area, which leads to the pollution of the dam, as well as to limit and better control the algae and hyacinths that harm the water quality and dam use to a minimum.”
Hyacinth weed at Hartbeespoort Dam, NW: See how the fish are dying…@DWS_RSA @environmentza pic.twitter.com/RPCe8tBG4Q
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) April 12, 2023
