In response to an article the Addie has written titled Hyacinth takes over dam, the metro has responded to our questions.
When asked about the extraction efforts, divisional head of communications and media relations Nhlanhla Cebekhulu said:
“The water hyacinth problem at President Dam has been realised for the past few years.
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“Water hyacinth is an alien invasive plant that is able to proliferate at a high rate in South Africa, partly due to the lack of natural enemies in South Africa.
“Since 2018, the dams have been cleared through mechanical removal at least once.
“At the current state, the water hyacinth is not at the ideal undesirable owing to the fact that it exceeds 10 per cent.
“However, mechanical removal resumed in December 2019.”
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Hyacinth over Dersley Dam a concern for residents.
When asked if an alternative solution has been proposed or implemented, the City said the following:
“The new approach is comprised of the use of mechanical removal, chemical as well as biological measures (integrated approach).
“The first mechanical and chemical approach are being implemented to stop the growth of the water hyacinth.”
He added that as soon as the coverage is below 10 per cent, biological control will be implemented.
“It should be noted that the strategy may change depending on progress being made on site.
“In addition, other factors such as weather, water quality and resources will also have a bearing on the implementation of the proposed plan,” he said.
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