Hyacinth puts the choke on Brakpan Dam
Once it has covered an entire dam or lake, it starves the water of oxygen and sunlight.
Approximately 20 per cent of the surface of the Brakpan Dam is currently covered with water hyacinth and the infestation is getting worse by the day.
Concerned residents fear that if the problem is not tackled soon, it will only be a matter of time before the plant carpets the entire dam.
The quarry, which is adjacent to the dam, has been completely covered by the water plant for several months.
Jannie van Breda (52) is a regular visitor to the dam and a keen angler.
“I have been fishing here for many years and over the past few months I have seen more and more of these plants each week,” said Van Breda.
“I think it has already reached a stage where it is going to be almost impossible to remove and get rid of the plants completely.
“The area where we are able to fish is becoming more confined by the week.”
Another concerned resident, Arno Combrink (47), believes the situation is an absolute disgrace.
“This is the only place in Brakpan where I can fish and have a relaxing time with my family,” he said.
“It is not the best place, but it is the only place. One of these days we will not be able to fish anymore.
“The people in charge must take very quick action if they want to rescue the situation.
“As it stands at the moment, it is going to take one massive effort to clean up the dam and to prevent the plants from growing again.”
Water hyacinth is a free-floating water plant that forms large, dense mats on the water surface.
Each plant consists of several leathery leaves, spongy inflated petioles (leaf stalks), a crown and a mass of fine, hairy roots.
The plant is frequently branded as the world’s worst aquatic weed due to its invasive potential, negative impact on aquatic ecosystems and the cost it necessitates to control it.
Once it has covered an entire dam or lake, it starves the water of oxygen and sunlight, which can have an impact on birds, fish and insects.
Brandon Pretorius, DA ward councillor for the area, is very concerned about the current state of the dam.
“It is for this reason that I have asked for it to be included in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP),” he said.
“It is common knowledge that the water hyacinth in the quarry is not a new problem but nothing has been done about it.
“Now that the dam is being infested, it is time for the Metro to listen to the people and take action.”
The Herald has requested comment from the Ekurhuleni Metro.
Also read: Trekker beland in Brakpan Dam
Dam revellers threaten our safety
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