Old Alex residents saddened by Jukskei River pollution
ALEXANDRA - Old Alexandra residents are saddened to see the Jukskei River in its present state of pollution.
Old Alexandra residents are saddened to see the continuing pollution of the Jukskei river by residents.
They reminisce of the once pristine water channel with roaring water spilling over the banks in summer, and in other seasons a sedentary, sparkling waterway in which they swam, fished in, and watched the variety of bird life on its banks. Also, they recall wading in knee deep waters of its tributaries up to present day 7th and 8th avenues.
These tributaries are now concrete sealed storm water drains, spewing murky and contaminated water into the river daily. The pollution is from domestic refuse and sewage from shacks seeping through openings on the streets, and from decaying rats and other vermin gassed in the drains by the city council.
Mahlomola Malinga (56) who was born and still resides in Alex said he was more concerned for children’s health. “They play along the banks where there is a bit of space and green surface,” he said. “In the process they pick up anything to play with including infected items, risking contracting all sorts of diseases, and also injury from broken bottles discarded by uncaring residents.”
For Malinga, the river is no longer an attraction, but just a boundary between Alex and Eastbank, although to some extent it adds an aesthetic attraction to the parks striding its banks. The hordes of environmental teams who clean it daily are unlikely to reverse it to its former beauty. The pollution will most probably continue unabated until concrete strategies for its rehabilitation are put in place.
Despite these conditions it seems the river’s endearing, tranquil waters and deceptive greenery on its banks downstream are value attractions for property owners.
The city council has allocated R1.3 million for the river’s rehabilitation in the 2014/15 integrated development plan budget.
