The metro has recently appointed a contractor to manage the hyacinth at the dam.
Tommy Dean, the dredging machine operator, says they have a two-month contract with the metro and they hope to have all the plants removed within this period.
Marc Liebenberg, owner of the machine, says he is doubtful they will be able to remove all the plants within two months.
“The metro only funded the project for two months; therefore, we do hope more funds will be allocated to complete the job,” he says.
He believes the metro will benefit if all the plants are removed.
Liebenberg says the water hyacinth doubles it growth within 10 days during summer.
“The growing process is slow during the winter months, but it will still completely close the water surface in no time if not all the plants have been removed,” he says.
It is difficult to say how far the contractors will get within the two months, but they are hoping to finish the job.
Liebenberg claims the machine is new and is the only one in the country, which makes this a trial for the metro.
“However, we remove close on 250 tons of plants daily and will see how far we can get,” he says, adding he hopes the metro will be satisfied with their work so far and enable them to finish the job.
Dersley resident Marie Buchner says they are overjoyed that the plants are finally being removed, making the water surface visible again.
“We enjoy watching the people fishing and the small rowing boats on the dam every now and again,” she says.
No comment was received from the metro at the time of publishing.
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