Warnings issued around South African dam

Officials have warned locals not to eat the produce from around the South African Inanda Dam, due to fears of mercury contamination.

A risk assessment team has been put together to assess the damage and is comprised of members of the department of agriculture, environmental affairs, water affairs and forestry, reported blog.ecr.co.za.

Areas around the dam, situated in the KwaZulu-Natal region, have reportedly tested positive for high levels of mercury content.

Khulekani Ntshangase, the area's environmental affairs spokesperson, has warned people against eating vegetation from surrounding land, but not against drinking the water as yet.

He explained: "We now begin the process of a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the levels and the actual possibility of a bigger problem."

According to msinsi.co.za, the Inanda Dam is "the perfect venue" for canoeing and attracts hundreds of fishers annually for its bass fishing tournament.