Barberspan Bird Sanctuary contaminated with Ecoli Bacteria – North West Tourism Board

The North West Parks and Tourism Board is aware of the Ecoli Bacteria breakout in Barberspan Bird Sanctuary.  The matter was brought to the attention of the Department of Agriculture Conservation Environment and Rural Development, DACERD, National RAMSA, the committee incharge of protection for critical habitats of wetlands including Conservation symposiums and forums.

Researchers from Avian Demographic Unit (ADU) in Cape Town were consulted for their input and advice on how the bacteria can be contained.

NWPTB is conscious of the fact that if not handled properly the bacteria will be a threat to the Sanctuary Aquatic Bio Diversity (life forms) and has commissioned a study to be conducted by Aquatic Ecologists who will develop a risk analysis and long term monitoring plan for the Baberspan. NWPTB will later engage relevant stakeholders on the risk assessment results and management intervention plans, taking into consideration that Barberspan is a world renowned RAMSA site.

The North West Parks and Tourism Board is also aware of the danger posed by the bacteria, and assures the public that measures are being put in place to protect Barberspan waters and the public. Visitors and the communities surrounding Barberspan are being warned from entering the waters to avoid contamination. It must be noted though that the sanctuary birding site has not been affected by the bacteria. Further developments on the matter will be communicated accordingly.

NWPTB would like to take this opportunity to thank the media for its support and interest in ensuring that NWPTB lives up to its mandate of “Managing Biodiversity and Conservation in the Province”.