Ward Councillor from Gxulu Administrative Area in Libode, Zameka Mrawushe, has appealed to the Department of Public Works to close Quarry Rock – which has been left open in the beginning of 2021.
According to Mrawushe, some of the community members stole the fencing, leaving it open. She said it is very dangerous because children go there to swim, and it is not shallow.
“Four boys drowned recently, the fourth on Saturday last week. Three of the boys were rescued, but unfortunately Odwa Ndamase (13) did not survive. If this is not closed surely there are still many children who will drown here?” said Mrawushe.
She added that she tried to warn community members to ensure they do not destroy things that could assist them.
“If the fencing had not been stolen these incidents would not have happened. This is very painful because we are going to lose more lives. Even livestock is not safe.”
One of the community members, Nowongile Msongelwa, from Qinisa locality in Libode, said children are calling this dam a swimming pool because of the colour.
She said the colour of the water is blue which attracts children, not knowing that they are putting their lives in danger.
“I do not know who will help us. We want it to be closed in order to prevent more problems,” said Msongelwa.
Spokesperson for Nyandeni Local Municipality, Ncebakazi Kholwane, said they would go and assess the area to determine what needs to be done and take it from there.
“It is in our interest to ensure that our community members are safe at all times, through collaboration with all relevant stakeholders. We convey our heartfelt condolences to the Ndamase family about the loss of their young one,” said Kholwane.
