POLLUTION AND POTCHEFSTROOM DAM

Abygail Smit

@Abysmit06

 

For many years, Potchefstroom Dam has been a place for picnics, swimming, braaiing and all-around fun for students and Potchefstroom citizens. Recently the pollution surrounding the dam has worsened, causing concern among residents in Potchefstroom.

 

John Steenhuisen, leader of the Democratic Alliance and the Minister of Agriculture, recently visited Potchefstroom Dam, which uncovered a lot of hidden truths surrounding it. According to the video he posted on his TikTok account, the dam, which is owned by the Department of Water and Sanitation, was used as a Covid-19 facility in 2010, and therefore was upgraded. Sadly, the upgrades haven’t been retained, despite the agreement from the municipality in exchange for them using the water from the dam. The North-West University (NWU) reached out, and are willing to take over the area of Potchefstroom Dam not only for a recreation area but also because the only Olympic swimming pool in the North-West province is located at the dam.

 

The NWU plans to use the 50-meter pool for international athletes, which range from 5000 a year. One would wonder why The Department of Water and Sanitation, and the municipality, haven’t jumped at this opportunity. However, as explained in the video, the area around Potchefstroom Dam is a financial wasteful expenditure. The financial spending on the area does not provide financial benefits or values in return, and it was also mentioned in the video that “someone probably pockets the profit”.

 

Isabella Prinsloo, a third-year student at the North-West University (NWU), says Potchefstroom Dam has deteriorated a lot since her first year in 2023. Prinsloo explains that you can clearly see how pollution and trash are being distributed more and more around the area of the dam. She says in previous years people had to book far in advance to stay at the dam, but now the buildings are too dilapidated, and the facilities won’t be able to accommodate visitors.

 

“Today having been the day to visit the waterfront at the dam, for me, really almost represents the personification of the South African problem. It also indicates to me the imperative that has to rise a new path out of this decay. A new path that restores growth, delivers jobs and gives every single South African a fair shot”, says Steenhuisen when he formally addressed a crowd in Potchefstroom.

 

The dam has been a beloved recreational area for students as well as citizens of Potchefstroom. The pollution and mismanagement have caused its beautiful nature to deteriorate, and people are unhappy about the situation. Will the municipality take on the task of fixing the area, or will they sell it to the North-West University (NWU)?

 

Edited by Simoné de Witt