Explosive situations

The recent discovery of World War II bombs at Lake Mzingazi brought together three issues of concern.

The first is the low level of the lake, possibly the lowest it has been in living memory.

Being dependent on Mother Nature, the lack of rainfall in the catchment area is the major contributor to the decrease in water content.

However, this has been coming for a long time as the El Nino effect was predicted years ago.

Besides, the level did not suddenly become low; falling measurements over time should have indicated the serious need to supplement the lake from other sources such as Lake Nsese, Phobane Dam and even the Tugela Scheme.

Also, restrictions on water usage could have been announced before levels reached this critical stage.

Added to it all is the concern that further drops in water content to below sea level will see the influx of salt water into our drinking source.

The second issue is that of the explosive devices that have become exposed owing to the dry lake bed.

Already two bombs have been found and destroyed, but who knows how many more are lying around.

In wrong, unprofessional hands these could easily cause the loss of lives or limbs.

Without delay, a sweep of the lake shores is needed to prevent such disaster.

The third element of concern is the sad fact that although relatively recent, little has been known and shared about the history behind the discovery of the bombs.

There was a thriving Catalina flying aircraft base at Richards Bay, with these amazing aircraft taking off from Lake Mzingazi and heading off to attempt to sink U-boats off the east coast as they in turn were attacking Allied warships.

While some may say this has little to do with the new South Africa, it is nevertheless a part of history that speaks of great courage as well as the strategic geographical importance of this region.