Water pollution of Berg River threatens SA exports to EU

FRUIT, VEGETABLE and wine exports from South Africa to the EU are in serious danger unless pollution of the Berg River in the Western Cape is brought urgently under control, says Janine Myburgh, president of the Cape Regional Chamber. The quality of produce from Paarl, Stellenbosch and surrounding areas is the most affected, she says. A warning given by the EU two years ago that the Berg River’s pollution levels were between five and 24 times the EU’s maximum permitted concentrations for food production, could lead to new trade barriers being imposed as the situation deteriorates. Stopping pollutants entering the water is the only solution, she says. This will involve cleaning up river banks, better sanitation facilities being provided to informal settlements, and controlling the discharge of effluents by municipalities, farms, industries and wineries. The main problem in the region is informal settlements, says Rashid Khan, acting chief director of water affairs and forestry for the Western Cape. There is, he says, a massive backlog in the provision of housing and basic services. His department is now taking a hard-line approach to these issues. Sewage works have and are being upgraded, while business and farmers are being called on to control pesticides, herbicides and other effluents which end up in the river. Notice had also been served on Stellenbosch municipality to control effluent at its sewage works. Steps have been taken in conjunction with the department of water affairs and forestry to ensure storm water from informal settlements is channelled to sewage plants.