Witfield dam in dire state
The metro's workers don't have enough equipment to remove the hyacinth on the dam.
Witfield residents are displeased with the appalling condition of the Witfield Dam.
The dam has been in a horrible state for more than three years. It is covered with hyacinth and there’s large heaps of hyacinth dirt on the shore as well as rubbish.
According to a resident of Witfield, Juanita de Swardt, the metro is not doing any justice to the dam because it leaves most of its work incomplete on it.
“They have removed a portion of the hyacinth in the dam, but they have left piles of it on the shore. And people are also illegally dumping on the dam’s bank and the metro is not addressing the issue. Those people who are dumping waste on the dam’s shore should be fined.
“The dam is also a den of thieves and there are bodies that have been found in it. People are also robbed there. The dam’s lapa has been partially stripped as well,” said de Swardt.
Another resident of Witfield, Nicolene Cameron, said the condition of the dam has been deteriorating for years.
“The lapa at the dam has been partially demolished, and it is now a home for vagrants. I have lived here for more than 30 years and we used to enjoy the dam, but now it has become a shadow of its former self,” explained Cameron.
A resident of Witfield who asked to remain anonymous said he has seen the metro’s employees on site removing the hyacinth, but they have suddenly disappeared.
“The metro’s workers don’t have enough equipment to work and that’s what I noticed when helped them to remove the hyacinth on the dam,” she stated.
Ward 33 councillor Ashley Hoods said there are plans in place to resolve the hyacinth problem at the dam.
“As for the issue of people being robbed and killed, I haven’t heard about it, but I will look into it. There’s work that has been done on the dam, hyacinth has been removed on the edges of the dam and the work is still continuing,” said Hoods.
Hoods added that the hyacinth on the dam shore will also be removed as well.
The Boksburg Advertiser has sent an enquiry to metro and is waiting for a response.
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