Residents ask for help with invasive reeds taking over Strubens Valley greenbelt
Invasive reeds are taking over Strubens Valley greenbelt, residents hold authorities to book.
What was once an open greenbelt, with a steady stream running through it and green grass fields alongside the stream, has now turned into a breeding ground for not only an invasive parasitic plant but also criminals who use these reeds as cover at night.
Concerned resident Dave Whittington explained that at the rate these Spanish reeds are growing, it would be impossible to see across and over them.
“These reeds spread their roots in a network underneath the ground, sucking up as much water as they can. This causes the water streams to divert as they seek faster and clearer paths to flow through, unfortunately, the reeds spread out almost chasing the water source to grow,” explained Whittington.
The reeds can almost be compared to leeks, as they have a similar appearance when broken and taken apart. Whittington explained that they have cut down the length of the reeds before, but they grow at such a pace that the only solution would be to take them out by the roots and remove any trace of them.
“Not only are they a risk to our indigenous species of plants, but to the neighbouring houses as criminals can simply jump their walls and hide in the reeds. They are almost impossible to see in the reeds at night,” elaborated Whittington.
The Roodepoort Northsider contacted City Power as it is their prerogative to maintain the servitude underneath their powerlines. They confirmed that the area where powerlines pass is a registered servitude for City Power.
“We must maintain the servitude and keep grass as well as trees under control,” explained Isaac Mangena from City Power. Furthermore, his team asked for time to prepare and present a formal plan of action for the removal of the invasive plants.
Noeleen Mattera from Joburg City Parks and Zoos confirmed receipt of the Northsider’s queries saying they have forwarded the questions to the relevant departments and will revert as soon as they can.
A comprehensive follow-up article will be published as soon as both parties have sent through their feedback.
