Great success for pilot project to clean Amanzimtoti’s rivers
The bags will operate as a filtration system to trap any sewage outfall and litter that gets washed down river.
The band of nature lovers who are on a mission to save Toti’s wildlife are piloting a project to clean the rivers. Shaun Callaghan, his partner Chanel Geldenhuys, Marc Brazier and Mathew Morton have filled four-metre-long shade cloth bags with hay and strung two up across a little stream that runs through Toti Stables’ property, where Mark is the manager. “The bags will operate as a filtration system to trap any sewage outfall.
It will also catch any litter that gets washed down river from the rural areas, which can be easily removed and disposed of,” said Mark. “We tied either ends of the bags to roots and they are tied to each other. When the volume of water is increased after rainfall, the pressure will push the bags, but they should still hold in place. If they do get washed down, they can be easily found and recovered.
No treated wood or chemicals have been used, which could seep into the water.” The first two bags were placed in the river three weeks ago and Mark has been monitoring them every morning. “So far it is working great. Since we put them in, crabs have returned to the river, although that could also be from the rainfall we had recently.” READ ”
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The idea is to place two more bags on top on the first two and then secure them to sturdy poles sunk into the ground on either side of the river. Bacteria will form on the bags, which feeds off effluent. “Then we want to plant specific grasses, such as bullrush and vertiver, around the riverbed, which naturally filters the water and creates a mini eco-system.
The bags are basically an anchor system for the grass to grow on and will help with soil erosion.” With the success of the pilot project, they plan to build another system on a second stream that flows from Fynn Road. Both streams eventually flow into the Toti River. The second stream is a bigger problem when it comes to sewage and litter. The initial cost of 10 bags has been sponsored by Shaun and the group is looking for donations of shade cloth to make more, as securing hay is not a problem. “This idea of cleaning the rivers is being done with great success overseas. Ours is a pilot project for Totilly Wilds, the D’Moss area we want to fence off between Adams Road, Bengu Road, Cato Cresent, Horseshoe Close and Kingfisher Road,” said Shaun. “We have only received positive feedback from the residents in the area for the idea. Likewise we would like the public’s opinion of the filtration system. Nothing is being done to protect our wildlife and rivers, so we don’t appreciate it when people complain when something is being done. We want constructive critism or help, such as knowledge about other grasses we can plant to filter the river water even more.
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The group said they are keen to work with ward 97 councillor, André Beetge and eThekwini Municipality to establish the reserve. “Initial discussions certainly has us excited, with what appears a positive initiative and then possibly in the better interest of the community,” said Beetge. “Our role, however, remains the unpopular one of ensuring a balance of interest, protection of rights and adherence to all legislative requirements.
We look forward to conducting a site visit to determine the envisaged footprint of the project, to be updated on the finer details of long-term planning, exact objectives and, given that there is an appeal towards public funding, the legislatively-aligned and sustainable funding model.” Mark invites the public and interested groups such as members of Toti Conservancy, Snare Aware and local birders to an open day at the D’Moss area adjacent to Toti Stables from noon on Sunday, 20 September. “We are clearing the area of lantana, an alien invasive plant, and doing a snare sweep. Birders are welcome to take a walk along the trails and security will be provided.” For more information, call him on 060-627-7048.
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