Concerns raised over river causeway
Crookes Brothers Limited (CBL) and certain local farmers are being blamed, with locals saying they have demonstrated 'a blatant disregard for the health of the ecosystem'.
'In addition to this natural challenge, human intervention has worsened the situation,' said Neil Lamble on behalf of the group.
'Local farmers and sand miners continue to rebuild gravel causeways over the river on CBL property to access their sugarcane fields and mining operations. However, these structures repeatedly wash away under heavy rains, depositing vast amounts of sand, rocks, and other debris into the river.'
This cycle is believed to repeat itself seven to eight times a year.
As a result, large sandbanks are forming within the lagoon, threatening to transform the once-thriving waterway into a barren sandflat.
'Although we acknowledge that the causeway has the right to exist, the manner in which it is being rebuilt several times in an average year is clearly in violation of the relevant environmental law which is being ignored,' he added.
The residents stated that they urged those responsible to either remove the causeway or to construct a permanent, stable causeway that can withstand severe weather conditions. They also believe that CBL should rehabilitate the damage they have done to the river over decades.
'Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent irreversible harm to our lagoon and the biodiversity it supports. We cannot allow our natural heritage to be eroded by negligence and indifference.'
Kennett Sinclair, CEO of CBL acknowledges concerns regarding sedimentation in the river.
'Comprehensive findings from two separate experts that CBL proactively sought to gain legal and science-based insight into the situation indicate that these challenges are not the result of CBL's actions,' he said.
In 2023, CBL obtained legal counsel from an independent environmental and spatial planning expert, Dr Jeremy Ridl, who confirmed that matters concerning the causeway are governed primarily by the National Water Act 36 of 1998 and more broadly by the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998.
'The legal opinion affirmed that the causeway – constructed approximately 120 years ago, predating both Acts – remains a lawful structure.'
He also noted, 'In view of the length of time that the causeway has been in place, it is possible that the river system and estuary have adapted to accommodate the causeway, and its removal may have a negative impact on the river, the estuary and the adjacent banks.'
Based on the recommendation to assess the current and future impact of the causeway that year, CBL voluntarily commissioned an independent study by SDP Ecological and Environmental Services, entitled Causes and Effects of Sedimentation Identified in the aMahlongwa Estuary reviewed by Simon Bundy.
'This report – available for review by interested parties – found that the shifting sandbar formations in the lower estuary are consistent with natural changes typical of small estuarine systems,' explained Sinclair.
'While the causeway in the upper estuary has a minor effect on erosion and sediment transport, the study concluded that its long-standing presence is unlikely to significantly influence overall sedimentation patterns.'
CBL would like to place on record that they have not reconstructed the causeway for three years, as it serves no operational function for the company.
'Reports suggesting reconstruction refer instead to third parties, such as sand miners, who use the structure for access. CBL is not involved in these activities and these activities are neither authorised nor controlled by CBL, as the organisation has no legal basis to prevent such access.'
Regarding the observed increase in sedimentation in recent years, the SDP Ecological and Environmental Services report attributes this primarily to elevated rainfall and upstream sand mining operations. Although the impact of sand mining is described as minor, it is noted to have a cumulative effect. The presence of mixed sediments upstream strongly suggests a direct link to these external activities.
CBL has shared both the legal opinion and the SDP Ecological and Environmental Services study, with the sand mining operators and the Amahlongwa River Group.
* While CBL is the only entity named by the complainants, none of the issues highlighted are attributable to CBL directly or indirectly.
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