Neglected paradise on our doorstep
Water infrastructure in the Kloof concerns experts.
The beautiful grassy ridges and the stream flowing towards the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden could disappear soon.
A very concerned DA councillor, Annette Fourie, who is a member of the Mogale City Department of Infrastructure portfolio committee took the News on a brief tour of the Silver Pines Kloof recently. She pointed out the deteriorating water infrastructure such as storm-water pipes and sewerage drains and said should one of these pipes fail, sewage will pollute the Silver Pines stream flowing through the botanical garden further down.
“This is a beautiful place where a large variety of birds, butterflies, animals, indigenous trees, aloes, plants, amphibians, reptiles and many other species occur,” Annette explained.
But the animals hide after each rain storm.
Annette said when it rains, the neglected infrastructure around the Silver Pines stream eventually fails. The speed and volumes of water during the rainy season already have started eroding the embankment, leaving a trail of devastation. The water levels become too high because the storm-water pipes do not function as they should, causing the water to rush into the stream from all directions except through the storm-water pipes, which are meant to direct the water into the spruit safely.
“Infrastructure was damaged by the force of the water, a cement bridge across the stream was destroyed and storm-water pipes ended up in the stream,” she explained.
Sewerage drains on the edge of the stream and pipes crossing the stream also are in danger of being damaged during flash floods.
“This is a haven for all living creatures that needs to be protected for future generations,” Annette said. She believes if the infrastructure is not maintained, the potential of the Kloof being an educational environment will remain a dream and its numerous possibilities will go to waste.
“We can prevent further infrastructure deterioration by controlling access to the site and fence off the multiple access points,” she added.
Annette is also worried about pollution in the stream and indigenous plant life being destroyed.
Nkosana Zali, Mogale City Local Municipality’s spokesperson, was approached for comment and said he would respond in due course.
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