Residents in Gqeberha’s Aloes community report persistent foul smells from the Markman Canal and link it to health issues including respiratory problems and headaches.
The murky canal carries runoff from the Markman industrial area into the Swartkops Estuary. Local residents Eileen Leander and Patricia Olifant describe a constant chemical odour that affects their daily lives and sleep.
Leander noted that many in the community suffer from coughing, chest infections and skin conditions. She recalled a child developing blisters after contact with the water and said dogs have died after drinking from it.
Femke de Wet of the Zwartkops Conservancy reported elevated chloride levels in May tests but said more analysis is needed. The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality attributed recent sewage spills to flooding in May and June and stated that repair work is underway.
