Help eliminate erosion at Zoo Lake

The Zoo Lake User Group is excited to launch their project which hopes to restore the eroded banks around the lake in the public park.

Chairperson of the group Fran Haslam and coordinator of the erosion project Jacky Cresteil appealed to the community to offer their time, money or resources to rejuvenate the ‘green lung’ of Joburg.

The team has finally received the go-ahead from the City to launch this project.

“We have sectioned off 11 areas around the lake and aim to rehabilitate the banks by bringing in topsoil, logs and foliage to stop the erosion,” said Cresteil.

“The way that Zoo Lake has deteriorated over the years is disappointing and we want people to come back here and have picnics and have their wedding photos taken here.”

Haslam said, “This erosion project is the start of our efforts to revitalise and regenerate this park. We want this heritage flagship priority park to be something that everyone can be proud of.”

Haslam added that she was grateful for Cresteil’s assistance to get the job done.

The community are encouraged to donate funds, topsoil, logs (not infested with shot-hole-borer beetle), plants, paving, and bricks to assist with the project.

Community members are invited to join learners of The Ridge School on the morning of 1 June to get their hands dirty and lay down logs.

Haslam expected this project to take between six months and a year to be completed, however, more help from the public could shorten this time frame.

Haslam also appealed to any ornithologists to assist her with a plan to upgrade the lake’s bird island.

Details: Email Fran Haslam on haslamfran@gmail.com

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