By Lorraine Wohi
High deposits of sediments from the Kemp Welch river system in the Rigo district, Central province has caused hundreds of fish to die, a recent report reveals.
Central Provincial Government through its administration and stakeholder partner Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) has revealed reports from the research carried out.
Governor for Central Province, Robert Agarobe together with Vary Rei, a representative from CEPA has told the media today that the cause of the pollution was due to the high sedimentation of soil from the upper stream entering the river causing the clogged gills in fish which have left them dead on the surface.
Test results revealed recorded high levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and particularly Aluminium and Iron. The high levels may have been from natural causes such as landslips or quarry operations.
The research carried out by a team of technical officers from the CEPA, NARI, Central Provincial Disaster and District Health on the 16th and 17th of February has shown that the change in colour of the water from green to brown was due to high sedimentation and debris.
CEPA also indicated that the large amounts of suspended soil or clay washed down from Dirinomu may have clogged the gills of fish killing them through lack of oxygen. High levels of dust may have also reduced vision for fish to feed thereby starving them causing death.
Governor Agarobe however said the results are not conclusive to provide a strong conclusion, indicating that there is a strong evidence to suggest that fish death is attributed to excessive sedimentation in the river system.
The technical team will return to undertake sampling of water and sedimentation at the exact sites for further Lab testing. Agarobe also said that awareness will be carried out to the impacted villages on the findings and to give some reassurance as soon as possible.
