Financial boost in the fight to save the Vaal River from water lettuce
These noxious weeds have taken a firm hold on both the Taaibosspruit and the Vaal Barrage Reservoir, to the detriment of aquatic life, tourism, and the hospitality industry.
As part of a coordinated effort to remove water lettuce and water hyacinth from the Taaibosspruit, which flows into the Vaal River, the Omnia Group has made a donation to SAVE.
The funds will be used to mechanically remove water lettuce and hyacinth from the Taaibosspruit.
These noxious weeds have taken a firm hold on both the Taaibosspruit and the Vaal Barrage Reservoir, to the detriment of aquatic life, tourism, and the hospitality industry.
Both the Taaibosspruit and the Vaal River between Vanderbijlpark and the Barrage have been covered with carpets of these weeds.
High nutrient levels in the water, caused mainly by raw or partially treated sewage from municipal wastewater plants, have enabled these weeds to flourish.
Hein Botes, General Manager (Manufacturing) SSB, said: “We believe that by allocating these funds, together we can make a meaningful social and economic impact on the communities that are supported by the Vaal River system.”
Botes noted that Omnia is firmly committed to supporting the local community in finding a long-term and sustainable solution to resolving the invasive water plant species issue.
