For over 20 years residents have rolled up their sleeves to clear the hyacinth from Homestead Dam in an effort to return the dam to its former glory.
In a bid to maintain this, a committee of dedicated residents has applied to have the area identified as a conservancy, which consists of a group of people who get together to collectively monitor and maintain an ecological area.
It is also something that is recognised by nature conservation authorities.
Chairperson of Homestead Conservancy Chintan Patel said it should be noted that establishing a conservancy allows members of the community to get involved in the conservation and the management of the local environment.
“Animal, bird, insect and plant life is well-managed and protected.
“There is an improvement in the environment’s economic and aesthetic value, as well as in the provision of ecosystem services such as water purification.”
He added that environmental awareness is promoted as well as the quality of life is improved due to a closer sense of community.
“With irresponsible development, large-scale pollution and growing demands on natural resources, it is vital we all help to conserve our natural assets if we and our natural environment are to survive well into the future.”
The founders of the Homestead Conservancy have highlighted the dam faces innumerable issues such as pollution into the dam from raw sewerage and litter, illegal dumping and litter in the parking area, overfishing, vandalism, noise pollution, by-law infringement, and more.
They have also seen a surge in alien invasive species that have taken over the ecological systems that once thrived.
Clearing out the hyacinth in the dam has been a top priority for the committee as the invasive plant blooms during the warmer seasons; the committee is looking for volunteers who are willing to use their time to assist by removing the hyacinth from the dam.
They are looking at inviting schools over for learners to assist and learn about the biodiversity the dam has to offer.
The committee consists of Chintan Patel (chairperson), Derek Dingwall (vice-chairperson), Chantell Roemer (secretary), Ralf Hesse (co-treasurer), Stephen Rehbock, Ricardo Ghanem, Geoff Londt, Caryne Lodge, John Visser, and Steve Kersop as general members.
Anyone interested in volunteering or donating may contact Patel on 084 244 8800.
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