Community members took it upon themselves to clean up the sea of thick, dense water hyacinth that has engulfed Amanzimtoti River. About 80 people braved the scorching heat on Sunday morning, 21 February, to manually remove the invasive plants. Tons of water hyacinth were removed, however, due to the sheer amount of it the river appears to be untouched.
“There was an incredible turn out of residents who all came together for the betterment of the community,” said Shaun Callaghan, who initiated the clean-up.
The abundance of water hyacinth, which is an invasive alien plant that can reduce the oxygen in the water and kill fish, is covering most of the river.
“We are committed to ridding our rivers of this invasive plants and we will continue to work at it. We are planning another clean-up next Sunday and we encourage the community to come forward. A lot of the water hyacinth was removed, but due to the densely packed nature of the plant, a lot more work needs to be put in. The community can clean-up at any time they want. We also require some strong people to get onto boats to unplug the water hyacinth from the lagoon. Once the plants are removed we pull them on to the bank and we require someone to dispose of them properly.”
Members of Move one Million, Amanzimtoti Saints, Amanzimtoti Rugby Club, Working For Water Howick, Clean Surf Project, Amanzimtoti Cricket Club, Lasher Tools and several other individuals and sponsors came forward for the clean-up.
“We were spoiled with hot dog rolls and sandwiches made by Jenni Verster Klopper, ice-cold water sponsored by Madelein Brits and cheap sundowners at the Amanzimtoti Cricket Club. Thanks for the help and the epic day out. I was stoked to meet many new cool people, its so epic to see Amanzimtoti coming on board the help the community.”
The next clean-up will be held on Sunday, 28 February, and those attending are required to carry water, snacks and gumboots if possible.
ALSO READ: Amanzimtoti river heavily polluted with raw sewage, plastic and litter
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