Normally packed with picnickers, canoeists and other water sport enthusiasts, the Shongweni Dam has been deserted since a floating brown sludge of what appeared to be sewage was spotted last week. Visitors are greeted by warning posters as they enter the dam area, one instructing them about the green algae which cause a skin rash, but perhaps the most glaring one being about the sewage. "No paddling allowed, the dam is full of sewage but you can paddle at your own risk."