UPDATE: Hyacinth project gaining momentum

The City of Ekurhuleni’s plan to eradicate the city’s dams and lakes of hyacinth is slowly gaining momentum, with certain projects already underway.

According to MMC for Environmental Resource and Waste Management André du Plessis, the mechanical control is continuing at Middle Lake, while one of the mechanical implements has been temporarily moved to Civic Lake and Kleinfontein Dam.

“This was done in order to create openings through the plants to allow access for the boat to commence with chemical spraying,” he said.

“Biological agents are known as planthoppers (megamelus sculellaris) under the guidance of the Centre for Biological Control of Rhodes University, have been released at the Witfield Dam in Boksburg.

“The Homestead Dam Conservancy have given their undertaking to propagate the biological control agents which will be released in spring.”

During the launch, du Plessis stressed that in order for the eradication process to be successful, urgent attention must be given to the continual sewage spills that not only are polluting the city’s damns and lakes but further feed the plants and contributes to its continuous growth.

“I have been locked in extensive discussions with the MMC for Water, Sanitation and Energy, Senzi Sibeko, to address the matter,” he said.

“The Environmental Resource and Waste Management Department’s compliance inspector has issued the department with notices to efficiently and effectively maintain its pump stations.”

He said that the metro is calling on environmental groups and schools to assist with the breeding process of the planthoppers during the forthcoming winter months.

“The biological control programme always suffers casualties during the winter and will need to be replenished. Assisting with the breeding of these insects can prove to be very educational,” he said.

Interested parties may contact him directly via email at Andre.DuPlessis@ekurhuleni.gov.za

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