Bridge the Gap: A better life with water

The Ekurhuleni Metro is rich when it comes to wetlands, lakes and dams and these water bodies play a vital role in the lives of all of our community members.

I have previously reported on water and how precious it is in a water scarce region such as Ekurhuleni. A recent audit of the 206 water bodies that we have within Ekurhuleni revealed that 2% have been totally destroyed, 64% have been partially destroyed and only 34% have been lucky enough to survive with little impact from mining and industrial activity, sewerage spills and leaks, encroachment of residential suburbs, road construction and the improper disposal of various pollutants.

Drastic action is necessary to revive these water bodies as they are not only unique to Ekurhuleni, but form a major part of the entire country’s hydrology (the study of the movement, distribution and quality of water on earth including the hydrologic cycle, water resources and environmental watershed sustainability). Water bodies in Ekurhuleni are ‘upstream’, which means that they flow into all of the country’s downstream dams, lakes and pans that eventually lead to the ocean.

Ensuring that our lakes, dams and pans are free from pollution is therefore essential for the rest of the country’s water resources. As a result, Ekurhuleni has ensured that the beautification of lakes, dams and pans is one of our flagship projects. The Jackson street Dam is a beautiful example of such a flagship project.

I would like to acknowledge the role that the late Clr Maureen Ansett played in leaving the community with this flagship project. Ekurhuleni strives to create an attractive environment that contributes to our region becoming a preferred destination for investment and a home for water sports, water economics and hospitality.

The lakes, dams and pans across Ekurhuleni are our natural assets. As such, we are looking for ways to use them to create employment and economic growth in our region. Lets join hand and bridge the gap by protecting and conserving our natural resources. The conservation and effective management of our water resources is to benefit of the whole community as people will be attracted to enjoy Ekurhuleni as a place to live, work and play.

Please e-mail me with your comments and be water-wise. Diamond.Neil@ekurhuleni.gov.za.