Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
A FULL-BLOWN environmental scare has gripped Beitbridge after the Limpopo River was found contaminated with an unknown green substance, prompting authorities to launch urgent investigations.
The Civil Protection Committee in Beitbridge has deployed a team of water experts and environmental officers from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) to trace the source of the contamination. Initial findings show that the green water stretches all the way to the Shashe River, where it meets the Limpopo.
“Technocrats from EMA and Water have traced the water up to the Shashe River and the water has the same green colour,” said Mrs Sikhangezile Mafu, chairperson of the local Civil Protection Committee. “So it is suspected that the contamination might be from South Africa.”
While Dam 1 — the main supplier of water to Beitbridge town — remains unaffected for now, authorities have raised concern for communities who rely on direct access to the Limpopo River and Dam 2.
“Fortunately, Dam 1, which supplies Beitbridge urban with water, is not contaminated for now. So, the fear is for the public who might use water directly from the Limpopo River and Dam 2,” warned Mrs Mafu.
Water samples have been sent for laboratory testing and results are expected by the end of the week. Officials are on high alert as fears grow over the potential health risks and environmental impact.
The Limpopo River, which links Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana, is a major water source for cross-border communities. Beitbridge draws most of its water from Zhovhe Dam, which feeds into the Limpopo via the Umzingwane River.
Residents have been urged to avoid using water from the river until further notice as the green mystery continues to unfold.
