Invasive alien plant infestation tackled
The fight to rid our City of invasive alien plants started in Mondeor.
JOHANNESBURG City Parks and Zoo launched a campaign to protect the City’s rich biodiversity and water resources on October 7 at Bellefield Park in Mondeor.
The Department of Environmental Affairs, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Working for Water, Ward 54 Clr Sergio Dos Santos and Mondeor residents were important stakeholders in the launch of the programme.
The aim of the campaign is to encourage multi-departmental cooperation to tackle the scourge of invasive plant infestations, reduce the spread of alien invasive plants through eradicating, controlling and managing their growth, educating and increasing awareness among communities and to protect the rich biodiversity and water resources.
Bulumko Nelana, managing director of City Parks and Zoo, appealed to residents and custodians of the environment to play their part in making Joburg a livable city for future generations.
“We are in the middle of a heatwave, high temperatures accelerate the growth of invasive species affecting farming. I encourage the community to become active in removing the invasive species,” said ward 54 Councillor, Sergio Dos Santos.
Ward 9 PR Councillor Zarina Motala, Ward 54 Clr Dos Santos and representatives of the City, planted an indigenous tree in the middle of the park.
City Parks maintenance workers were in the Mondeor area from October 5 to 9 carrying out the replanting of trees and replacing greenery that was removed during the campaign.
