A rancid stench permeates the air—a foul mixture of sewage and the decaying remains of a dog lying near the water’s edge. The flowing waters are littered with truck tyres, discarded clothing, and foam releasing a sharp ammonia odour. This is the dismal state of Amcor Dam, once a source of pride for Newcastle.
The condition of Amcor Dam has been a significant issue for several years, with the dam gaining national attention in October 2021.
At that time, the former administration of the Newcastle Municipality became entangled in a mudslinging campaign involving Cllr Faizel Cassim, who currently serves on the municipality’s Executive Committee. During this contentious period, his business was accused of being responsible for the dam’s deteriorating condition.
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The controversy that ignited national attention stemmed from an article by Newcastillian News, which reported on the appearance of ‘magical’ foam covering vast areas of the water and floating across the road adjacent to Amcor Dam. At that time, Angus Burns, Senior Portfolio Manager for the Wildlife Fund, explained that while it was difficult to pinpoint the exact cause without analysing the water, it was suspected that heavy rains had washed significant amounts of pollution—both sewage and chemicals—into the river, leading to the formation of the foam.
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The situation surrounding the dam escalated to such an extent that the Department of Water and Sanitation became involved.
They explained that spillage from the Van Der Bijl Sewer Line Replacement had played a role in the deteriorating condition of Amcor Dam. During this period, two sewer pumps—Newcastle Sewer Pump Station Number Two and Ncandu Sewer Pump Station—were also monitored to ensure they did not contribute to further sewage spilling into the dam.
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Three years on, the polluted and deteriorating state of Amcor Dam poses significant health risks, raising a crucial question: What actions is the Newcastle Municipality taking to restore this once-prized landmark to its former glory?
With sewage pollution playing a major role in the repugnant state of the dam, Cllr Faizel Cassim elaborated, “The cause of the stench and the foam is the sewage that has leaked into the dam, and whenever it rains or snows, it shows up again. We are currently sorting out the pump houses so that this can come to an end. Once the sewer pumps are resolved, the problem will sort itself out, as the sewage will no longer be able to get into the water.”
Additionally, Cllr Bertie Meiring pointed out that the Newcastle Municipality would also have to conduct a thorough clean-up of the entire area. “We will have to clean it up totally, removing everything from the reeds that cause blockages and get to the origin of all the pollution,” noted Cllr Meiring.
While both Cllr Meiring and Cllr Cassim agree that Amcor Dam needs to be cleaned up, no timeframe has been provided on when the government entity would start addressing the atrocious conditions that plague this once-popular area for Newcastillians.
However, on a positive note, Cllr Cassim highlighted that the Newcastle Municipality has taken proactive steps to minimise the chances of flooding on the road during this rainy season. “There is a valve which is now permanently open to help regulate the water flow and ensure the road is safer, especially during the rainy season,” he emphasised.
As Amcor Dam finds itself in this horrendous state and the Municipality now addresses the pump houses that contribute to the sewage pollution, what are your thoughts on the situation?
Share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 8
Direct result of the municpaility not fixing the pumps at the Amcor dam to pump the sewage to the ponds. Raw sewage is being pumped into the river upstream into the river unrelenting for more than 2 years. Just took a video of this, this week. It is criminal and a criminal case should be opened against the authorities.
“However, on a positive note, Cllr Cassim highlighted that the Newcastle Municipality has taken proactive steps to minimise the chances of flooding on the road during this rainy season. “There is a valve which is now permanently open to help regulate the water flow and ensure the road is safer, especially during the rainy season,” he emphasised”
Councillor, that valve at the bottom of the dam wall has been under 2m of silt for the past 30+ years …….
Remove the dam wall, allow the river to flow.
Our Municipality is failing, they only use the funds for their personal gain. What a disgrace. Not just Amcordam the either town is in shambles, it’s falling apart. I am ashamed to be a from Newcastle.
Why should it take years to clean up something or to restore something to it’s previous state… It seems to me people like living like this. Only to wallow around in their own mess. It’s very sad when the supposedly “good” people stand by and do absolutely nothing…but just wait for a paycheck…the destruction of fauna and flora, fish and general eco systems must be horrendous to say the least. But W.T.F. this is the new South Africa…🤢
A serious case of blind leading the blind….stupidly!
The Municipality needs to be transparent and make known which businesses in the Industrial area are regulated and which not. What exact types of business are there registered that work with chemicals.
Then the relevant goverment departments need to step in and apply the various laws they enforce fir compliance.
The Municipal operations in the Industrustrial area are simply shakedowns and not effective and solving the lawlessness, filth and pollution generated by businesses in that part of Newcastle.
The municipality has ignored the problem during winter when the rains were not there, now it’s a bigger problem, what’s the purpose really…..it’s unacceptable comrades do justice to communities you serve before a disaster emanates including Ngagane.