‘Uxamu’ to combat Toti river weeds
It will be used on the rivers within the conservancy’s registered area for clearing alien water plants, removing rubbish, education and pollution monitoring.
The fight against water hyacinth and water lettuce received a major boost with the donation of a dinghy that will be used to rid Toti’s waterways of the pesky aquatic weeds.
The dinghy was donated by Toti Conservancy member Jef D’Engle and his partner Francois van Dyk of the Twin-Dragons Group in Simon’s Town.
Amanzimtoti Sports Centre (ASC) approved a grant towards the purchase of an electric motor and Dixons donated two batteries for the boat.
The conservancy launched the dinghy, christened the ‘Leguaan’ or ‘Uxamu’, which is the isiZulu name for a Nile river monitor, on Saturday, 30 January.
It will be used on the rivers within the conservancy’s registered area, which includes the Amanzimtoti, Umbogintwini, Little Amanzimtoti, Winklespruit, Lovu and Karridene rivers, for clearing alien water plants, removing rubbish, education and pollution monitoring.
Chairman of the conservancy, Laura Taylor launched the vessel with some pomp and ceremony and a little champagne in front of the civic centre on carefully mowed lawns and a shady fever tree, a real credit to the parks department.
“Thanks to all those who made the project possible. These include among others, the ASC for a grant to purchase a small, environmentally-friendly electric motor, and safety and security equipment, the Twin-Dragons Group for the donation of the dinghy, which was transported all the way from Simons Town by Francois and Riana van Dyk, and Dixon Premium Batteries for the ‘deep cycle’ batteries,” she said.
The launch was followed by a ‘sail past’ with Uxamu followed by members of the conservancy and Kingsway High School’s eco group, the Green Scorpions in paddle skis. There was lots of support from the crowd on the bank, especially for those with suspect paddling skills.
To test the suitability of the craft, a large pile of water hyacinth and plastic was collected and it passed with flying colours.
For more information on the activities of Toti Conservancy, contact Angus Pyke on 074-951-4267 and for alien plant control, email Gill van Wyk at shackleton1@telkomsa.net.
Corinne Winson, Kaden Neilson and Gill van Wyk test Uxamu for leaks.
