PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The drowning of Lizalise Wellem (8) in the dam opposite the U-Save shop at the entrance to Kwanokuthula has caused outrage among community leaders and members who have questioned Bitou Municipality's apparent lack of action to safeguard the dam.
This is the second drowning at the dam adjacent to South Cape College in Kwanokuthula in three months.
On 24 November last year, a 15-year-old teenager who went for a swim with friends drowned when caught up in reeds at the dam.
Lizalise, a pupil at Kwanokuthula Primary School, was reportedly swimming with three children his age on Monday 16 February when two of them got into trouble.
It is believed that he attempted to rescue them, but succumbed himself and drowned at about 17:00. Attempts by Knysna-Plett Herald to speak to his family were unsuccessful.
Ward 5 Councillor Samkele Mang-xaba said he had personally taken Bitou Mayor Jessica Kamkam to the dam in November last year to point out the problems, which include sewerage problems (overflowing manholes that seep into the dam), the area being used as an illegal dumping site and the fact that the unsecured dam is used by children.
"It is sad that we sit in council with people willing to victimise my community and deprive it of basic service delivery because we are not party to the [ruling] coalition," said Mangxaba.
The community expressed their ire in social media posts at what they called the municipality's inaction to rectify the sewerage problems, saying they felt neglected.
'Something must be done'
Allegedly, there is a stench emanating from the dam that can be smelled by passing motorists along the N2.
Mangxaba said the issue of the dam and its related problems has been on the Ward 5 IDP budget list for four years - "and nothing has been done".
He said two weeks ago he contacted the Acting Municipal Manager, Christopher Mapeyi, about the dam and was told that "something might be done in the adjustment budget".
"Does it require a drowning before the municipality takes action?" he asked.
Municipality commits to action
Bitou Mayor Jessica Kamkam expressed her heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones affected.
"The loss of a child is a profound tragedy, and our thoughts are with the family and the broader Kwanokuthula community during this difficult time," she said.
The dam at the entrance to Kwanokuthula.
According to Kamkam, the dam in question is a natural watercourse on municipal land near the N2. At times, sewage overflows occur due to blockages in main lines when foreign objects enter the system, but the municipality's teams conduct regular maintenance and cleaning to minimise these occurrences.
She said concerns previously raised about this area are being treated "with urgency".
"We are engaging Sanral to restore proper water flow beneath the N2 and to assess immediate steps to reduce water accumulation and improve safety. Sewerage and related infrastructure matters in Kwanokuthula will also be prioritised in the adjustment budget."
Kamkam said given that two drowning incidents had occurred in a short time span, urgent intervention is required.
"All relevant processes will be streamlined to fast-track solutions that improve safety and help prevent similar incidents."
Skateboard
In a separate statement on Facebook, Bitou Municipality expressed its "deep sorrow" following the drowning incident at the dam adjacent to South Cape College in Kwanokuthula.
"Preliminary reports indicate that three other youngsters were present at the dam at the time. It is alleged that the boy was attempting to rescue one of them when he drowned," posted Andile Namntu, municipal communications and customer relations manager.
Namntu said law enforcement authorities, ambulance and emergency services, as well as the National Sea Rescue Institute, responded swiftly after the incident was reported.
Mangxaba, Deputy Mayor Nokuzola Kolwapi, and Speaker Mavis Busakwe were also on the scene to offer words of comfort and support to the grieving family and community members.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
