Elaleni’s swamp fig forest rehabilitation underway after construction damage
Residents lead urgent restoration efforts to save one of South Africa’s last swamp fig habitats, as investigations into environmental breaches continue.
The protected Swamp Fig Forest in Elaleni Coastal Forest Estate, severely damaged by construction sand in March, is now undergoing critical rehabilitation efforts led by residents.
Heavy rains earlier this year washed sediment from the adjacent Coral Cove Senior Living Estate construction site into the conservation wetland, threatening its fragile ecosystem.
Despite months of deliberations over responsibility and costs, action only began on November 25, spearheaded by concerned residents frustrated by inaction.
“We’re racing against time to rehabilitate the forest,” said a resident, who asked to remain anonymous. “Had work begun sooner, the chances of recovery would have been much better.”
The 17.5-hectare wetland is one of South Africa’s last remaining swamp fig habitats and home to the endangered swamp fig tree. Cutting or destroying these trees without a permit is illegal.
Negotiations to apportion the rehabilitation costs among stakeholders, including Coral Cove developers and Elaleni management, are progressing. Auria CEO Barry Kaganson confirmed that discussions remain amicable.
The restoration process involves a complex drainage system designed by local farmers and has been implemented by farm manager Nic Bartlett and local experts. Bartlett explained that the sediment accumulation suffocates the trees, cutting off water flow and causing the bark to rot within weeks.
“Although this is a swamp forest, the trees cannot survive under excessive sand,” said Bartlett. “Our goal is to clear the sand down to the original forest floor and restore natural water flow.”
His team’s solution involves a reverse concrete pump system using the venturi principle. This recycles water from a nearby dam through pipelines, carrying suspended sand back to the dam. The sediment is later removed and disposed of offsite.
Meanwhile, the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) is investigating whether Auria complied with its environmental management plan (EMP).
Inspections revealed breaches, such as inadequate dust control and severe erosion impacting the forest. Last week, EDTEA threatened to shut down the Coral Cove construction site unless these breaches were rectified. Auria was ordered to cease construction and rectify violations in terms of the National Environmental Air Qualities Act 39 0f 2004, and the National Dust Control Regulations. While EDTEA originally gave Monday, 9 December as the deadline, the outcome of the investigation remains pending.
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