Zebaldt Ngaruka
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, in collaboration with the City of Windhoek, has strongly warned members of the public against fishing and consuming fish from Goreangab Dam, situated on the fringes of the western suburbs of the capital.
Goreangab Dam receives treated wastewater and surface runoff from surrounding residential and industrial areas.
The call, made in a statement on Friday, stemmed from recent reports of an increase in fishing activities at the dam by community members, with some individuals allegedly selling the fish to members of the public.
The statement added that water from the dam is unsuitable for use, and the fish may be contaminated with heavy metals, bacteria, or other harmful pollutants, and thus not safe for human consumption.
“The community must understand that while fishing may appear harmless, consuming or selling fish from this dam poses serious public health risks. Therefore, the ministry is strongly calling on the community members to refrain from these activities for their own safety and that of others,” read the statement.
The statement further encouraged the members of the public to report any incidents of fishing and selling of fish from Goreangab Dam to the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) or the CoW’s environmental health division.
When asked about possible punishments to would be offenders, Regina Valombola, the ministry’s PRO, told this publication there are prescribed penalties for any contravention of or failure to comply with the provisions in the Inland Fisheries Resources Act of 2003.
“Failure to adhere to the law, the offenders will be fined an amount not exceeding N$1 000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months,” said Valombola.
Windhoek’s spokesperson Lydia Amutenya, also announced the dam area had been closed for recreation purposes until further notice, and reiterated the importance of adhering to the precautionary measures regarding the temporary closure of the Goreangab Dam Recreational Park.
Amutenya said this necessary step follows contamination caused by maintenance work on sewage pipelines. As safety measures, she said, residents are also strongly advised not to consume any dead fish found in or around the dam during this period.
“We urge all residents to comply with this advisory for their own health and safety. The city remains committed to safeguarding public health and will provide timely updates on the progress of the repairs and reopening of the facility,” she said.
-zngaruka@yahoo.com
Photo: Eagle FM