In an attempt to get the overwhelming water hyacinth problem under control in local dams, some municipalities have opted to poison the plants.
However, the use of poisons may have a huge environmental impact on the ecosystem of the dam and the communities exposed to that water.
The dams in and around Springs, including the Presidents Park and Murray Park dams, are there for the communities and serve a recreational role for bird lovers, campers, hikers, fishermen and all others enjoying the tranquillity of a natural water body in the midst of the busy city.
Hyacinth overgrowth renders recreational use of the dams impossible.
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The plant has also been linked to a number of health risks, such as providing breeding grounds for malaria and bilharzia parasites.
Presidents Park opted for an eco-friendly method of ridding its waters of this scourge and called in Dredging Africa.
This company specialises in the cleaning of water bodies through the removal and control of aquatic weeds and water plants and the removal or dredging of sediment and sludge from the basin floor.
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The company has developed specific equipment for the removal and control of hyacinth from our dams and rivers.
According to Arend van Wetering, a representative of the company, “Dredging to remove the sediment and silt at the bottom of the dam is important, as it takes away the environment in which water hyacinth can rapidly regrow.”
Shortly, Presidents Park Dam will be clear of water hyacinth and available for recreational use.
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