Problematic hyacinth from the Little Goodies Dam washed onto Vlei Street during the storm on the night of February 15 to completely block the road.
Vlei Street, a major feeder road in Kempton Park, was left inaccessible until contractors cleared the roadway the following day.
Delays in the removal of the hyacinth were chalked down to a lack of vehicles needed to facilitate the clean-up.
There has been an exponential spike in hyacinth growth at the dam over the last few months and the plant now almost covers the entire surface area of the dam.
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According to ward councillor Amanda Davison, the growth of the plant impedes the flow of water and the Parks Department is insufficient to deal with the problem when the plants are washed onto the road.
“I have requested the water and sanitation department to urgently investigate the sources of a sewer leak believed to be responsible for the increased growth of the plant. Sewage is one of the major causes of hyacinth growth,” said Davison.
She added that there are access points to the sewer lines close to the Goodies Dam which needed to be inspected for possible damage and leakages.
On February 22, the Kempton Express paid a visit to the Goodies Dam with Davison.
On arrival, municipal workers were spotted next to dam, removing the hyacinth that was close to the land.
Much of the hyacinth that was washed onto the roadway had already been removed but there was still debris left on the pavements.
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Vlei Street is also located close to the train station and the road is used by pedestrians who make their way to and from the station.
With the hyacinth on the pavement, pedestrians have no choice but to put their lives in danger and walk on the road.
Davison explained that the dam shouldn’t even exist.
“The water was supposed to flow from the wetlands, under the bridge and then carry on to the Erasmus Farm and Serengeti.
“However, this has been a major issue for years. There is a plan in the pipeline to lift the bridge and allow excess water to flow freely during heavy rainfall,” she said.
She said plans to upgrade the road were made before the hyacinth issue came to light.
“There were plans to also widen the road to ease traffic. Vlei Street is always jam-packed with traffic during peak hours.”
The Kempton Express sent an enquiry for comment to the City of Ekurhuleni on February 23.
Comment was requested by midday on February 26. At the time of going to print, no comment was received.
