Residents in Johannesburg’s East Rand have been shocked and puzzled by the recent transformation of the Boksburg Lake.
The lake’s water has taken on an eerie, rusty-red hue. This has prompted an urgent investigation into a suspected chemical spill from a nearby industrial area.
The lake’s colour change was first noted by security guards on 15 May.
This was soon followed by what residents described as a “nauseating smell of rotting eggs” over the weekend of 16 and 17 May.
“We then discovered that the lake’s water had changed colour and that the smell was coming from the lake,” a concerned local told the Boksburg Advertiser.
“We all suspect the culprit is the nearby factories, and it’s not the first time that chemicals have been disposed of like this.”
Meanwhile, Ekurhuleni Metro spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, confirmed that a team of specialists from the City’s Water Quality and Environment department was dispatched earlier this week to investigate the alarming discolouration.
“The matter is still under investigation and results will be made public once we are done,” Dlamini said.
The true source of the contamination
Evidence gathered so far suggests the pollutant likely reached Boksburg Lake through the concrete stormwater channel that traverses the Cason and Andebolt industrial sites located upstream.
It was also found that discoloured water flowed from underground drainage pipes into this channel near the Campbell Road bridge in Cason, before making its way down to the lake inlet.
Metro authorities believe lab tests will be able identify the contaminant, and thereby help pinpoint the company or entity responsible for the pollution.
Ward 32 Councillor Marius de Vos said he was “shocked” at the lake’s discolouration, and also suspects industrial waste.
This incident is the latest in a series of environmental issues at Boksburg Lake, including a visible oil slick.
Have you noticed the red discolouration at Boksburg Lake?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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