GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - With precious little rain having fallen over the past months, the Nqweba Dam outside Graaff-Reinet has dropped to devastatingly low levels. The fish left in the less than 1% water in the dam are dying.

Nikki Davenport took heart-wrenching photographs of dead barbel and carp along the shoreline. The dam level near the wall is so low, that fish which appear to be floating on the water, have simply died on top of the silt, which is just below the water level.

While the majority of dead fish are barbel, there are also some carp. The fish are all rotten, and a noxious smell fills the air.

The Dr Beyers Naudé Municipality failed to comment in time for print on how they plan to address this issue.

Due to the low water level of the dam, Graaff-Reinet is now dependent on boreholes for its water supply. "These cannot supply our town with all the water we need," said the Graaff-Reinet Rate Payers Association in a statement. They urge that residents cut down on their water usage.

"It is possible to use only 50 litres per person per day. This will cut our water bills."

On 31 August at 3pm, residents and churches will join an event of prayer for rain.

Fish have died as a result of the low water levels of the dam.
Photos: Nikki Davenport

It will take place next to the dam on the Middelburg road's side. Locals can contact Kobus Nel on 071 870 5386 for more information.

A representative from South African National Parks has been approached for comment about the effect of the low water level of the dam on surrounding ecosystems.

The article will be updated online once the Advertiser receives comment from them and the municipality.

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