Krugersdrift Dam and Olive Hills recreational and angling areas have been a dealt blow because of vandalism. This problem has resulted in the pollution of the dam over a period of time.
Temporary solutions to this problem with the installation of portable toilets have not yielded results because they soon get vandalized and plundered. All these have resulted in the pollution of the dam with present alarming evidence of the presence of faecal coliforms and E. coli which derive from human sewage.
The facilities will remain closed until a permanent solution to the problem has been found. The Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs is working with all relevant stakeholders like the University of the Free State and other interested parties to address this problem.
Krugersdrift Dam is the receiving impoundment of treated waste water from Bloemfontein sewage treatment plant and although the water is clean, it still carries a high level of nutrients, mostly nitrates and phosphates, which is compounded by the faecal matter and toilet paper laying everywhere amongst the bushes in the absence of ablution facilities, which when it rains, drain directly into the dam.
Soetdoring Nature Reserve and the Krugersdrift Dam straddle the Modder River in the central Free State. One of the best birding spots near Bloemfontein; it provides an interesting mix of wetland, grassland and thornveld habitats. The bird list is about 290 species, with up to 140 species possible in a day.
Krugersdrift Dam is mainly an area for water sports. Visitors tend to be anglers, boating enthusiasts or water-skiers. However, being close to Bloemfontein, it is an ideal venue for a day in the outdoors or for having a party or a meeting. The one-day hiking trails which follow the Modder River are suitable for families with young children.
