Hooray for Homestead’s hyacinth heroes

Walking along the banks of Homestead Dam, it is difficult to imagine that these waters once offered a vast breeding ground for invasive hyacinth. The dam is currently 99% hyacinth free.

As the water glistens in the sun, wading ducks glide across the surface with fish occasionally leaping from the depths, Derek Dingwall, founder of the Homestead Dam Conservancy, smiles with pride.

“The condition of the dam is due to the unwavering commitment from residents and members of the community to actively remove hyacinth from there waters,” he said.

“More than 20 years ago we took ownership of our dam. We know every inch of it and we are proud of what we have achieved.”

The dam forms part of the three water systems, including Middle and Civic lakes.

“Benoni used to be called the jewel of the East Rand due to the sparkling waters of the three lakes.

“Unfortunately, only one has been successfully rehabilitated while the others have become completely overgrown,” said Ray Lloyd, member of the conservancy and active volunteer.

“Through our work at Homestead, we have learnt a great deal about hyacinth and have to a certain degree mastered the methods of removing it from the waters thus, preventing infestation.

Lloyd explained that if left to grow unabated, the plants prevent the oxygenation of the water subsequently killing all the organisms which sustain life within the water.

“These plants further thrive on sewage and minerals found in waste water, which is a clear indication that the water quality at Civic and Middle lakes are less than desirable.”

The sustained success which has been achieved at Homestead Dam is attributed to the daily workings of Lynn Weir-Smith, who has for the past six year, rain or shine been paddling across the waters, removing up to four loads of hyacinth daily.

“We are fortunate to be in a position where we are maintaining and curbing further growth as opposed to attempting mass removal,” said Weir-Smith.

“It is critical to remove the plants before it starts flowering, as seeds can remain dormant within the water from up to 25 years.

“Once removed the plants are placed far from the water’s edge in designated areas to dry out where it is composted.”

The team of volunteers, which receives generous backing from the community of Alphen Park, are now challenging the greater Benoni community to take ownership of the other two lakes by committing to ridding it of hyacinth.

“The Ekurhuleni metro has launched several projects aimed at eradicating these plants. Plans have included mechanical, chemical, bio-remediation and biological control agents, however, there has been no success,” said Dingwall

“We have done the leg-work and it is obvious that we have found a winning recipe, all we want is for dedicated and willing individuals to step up to the plate.

“We will gladly share our knowledge with anyone willing to adopt the remaining lakes. Let’s make our lakes sparkle once again.”

Anyone wanting to actively become involved in a community-based hyacinth removal programme may contact Dingwall on 083 601 0654 or Lloyd on 083 225 9406.

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