Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo has begun a cleanup of Zoo Lake following the first rain of the season which results in a large amount of litter and debris being flushed into the lake.
Jenny Moodley, the spokesperson for City Parks explained that because Zoo Lake is manmade it acts as a stormwater catchment for roads in the northern suburbs, including Jan Smuts Avenue, which sees a high volume of traffic.
“The recent rains have flushed out the litter and debris from the stormwater culverts that accumulated over the dry months and washed it into Zoo Lake. This has resulted in Zoo Lake being polluted with litter. This can be fatal for the birds that use the lake as a habitat,” said Moodley.
The team involved in the clean-up cover the perimeter of the lake, removing litter as well as twigs and other debris which has been washed into the lake.
“Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo’s aquatic team will be commencing the clean-up of Zoo Lake along the walls of the dam, however, we again appeal to residents, motorists and Zoo Lake park users to refrain from littering.”
Moodley emphasised that litter which is not thrown in the bins provided will end up in the dams and spruits, and can be very harmful to fish and birds.
“It can cause ‘log jams’ and will result in flash flooding. It is also very costly to clean and we appeal to all residents to dispose of all waste material responsibly, refrain from tossing out waste while driving and change your habits by reducing, reusing or recycling waste.”
Moodley added that residents can follow Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo on Facebook to view clean-up efforts.
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