DISA RIVER CONCERN

One of the greatest challenges experienced in Hout Bay as a result of the Imizamo Yethu Township is the effect the settlement’s waste has on the Disa River, which runs from the Orangekloof Nature Reserve on top of Table Mountain, amongst the Wetlands and exits onto the main Hout Bay beach into the bay.  Water is a necessity and a human right; therefore it is vital that we rectify any water pollution to prevent illnesses and the negative impact on the flora and fauna.

Reference: 
Yeld, J. (2011). Disa River Wetland to be restored. Available: http://gctca.org.za/disa-river-wetland-to-be-restored/. Last accessed 20/04/2012. 

Since the development of the Imizamo Yethu Township, the Disa River has posed as a major threat to humans, birds and animals that comes into contact with the river or surrounding wetlands, especially the local residents.

For as long as the township has been developed, the river has been flooded by overflowing sewage drains, pumping this river and wildlife sanctuary full of E-coli amongst other bacteria.  E-coli is a bacterium that can inhabit both human and animal intestines.  The bacterium can produce a variety of toxins that can have a wide range of effects.  Symptoms caused may include mild to chronic Diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting and fever.  Other symptoms may include renal failure, pancreatitis, and neurological symptoms including drowsiness, seizures and a coma could occur. (Shanson, 1999)

When Water Rhapsody, who supplies water conservation systems, collected a sample of water from the river in 2010, it contained nine hundred million e-coli bacteria per 100ml of water. Acceptable standards, there are an average of two hundred bacteria per 100ml. This proves the severe the conditions of the water.  (Bardouleau, 2010)

Reference: Unknown. (2010). Flushing E-coli into Hout Bay's Disa River .Available: http://www.capewatersolutions.co.za/2010/01/16/flushing-e-coli-into-hout-bay’s-disa-river/. Last accessed 20/04/2012.

As well as e-coli, the river is severely affected by “grey water” otherwise known as wash water.  Wash water includes bath, dish and laundry water, which contains phosphates found in blue and green algae growth.  .  (Bardouleau, 2010) When this particular algae dies, a substance much like cyanide is released which is highly toxic.  As a result of these toxins, which absorb oxygen upon decay, all other life within the water is killed.  (Bardouleau, 2010)

As well as the river being extremely dangerous, people are using the reservoir that supplies water to the residents of Hout Bay as an open lavatory without access to sanitation. (Gosling 2006)

The river transports the water through the residents, across the well-known beach and into the bay.  The e-coli and algae organisms are then absorbed by animals within the sea and are having a major effect on these animals and related ecosystems, particularly the rock lobster which would pose as a health hazard for any human being consuming these lobsters. (Gosling, 2006)

Currently, there are only 400 toilets amongst the 25000 residents living in shacks in Imizamo Yethu. (Froestad, 2006) When residents were questioned about the current situation of sanitation facilities, Aida Hokonya, a spokesperson on behalf of Imizamo Yethu residents, told how many people did their excrement in buckets and disposed of their waste by filling plastic packets and throwing them in surrounding drains or on their roofs.  Aida continued to reveal that many of the residents “don’t care about the environment” and that they were forced to do this due to the lack of sanitation facilities.

As a result, drains become blocked and the few sewage systems present in the settlement become blocked and burst amongst the houses. The repercussions of the waste, is not only extremely detrimental to the residents health, but furthermore has a major impact on the environment as the waste is then carried into the DIsa River and surrounding areas and into the sea.

Tension arises between the established more privileged homes of Hout Bay residents and the inhabitants of Imizamo Yethu, as Hout Bay residents blame the residents of the settlement for the severe pollution created in and around Hout Bay.  Not only is this pollution contributing towards major health and environment factors, but largely impacts the increase in crime as a result of this poverty stricken community. Property valuations are negatively impacted as well as a having a detrimental affect on the visual aesthetics of Hout Bay.