Blesbokspruit in dire straits
At this point, the hyacinths cover almost the entire surface area of the wetland, and continues to spread and it is just a matter of time before the entire body of water is covered.
As the Advertiser has previously reported, the Blesbokspruit, which flows through Springs, Nigel and Heidelberg, is in an extremely desperate situation and is being overrun by hyacinths.
According to environmentalist Stan Madden, this is an environmental disaster of great proportion.
At this point, the hyacinths cover almost the entire surface area of the wetland, and continues to spread and it is just a matter of time before the entire body of water is covered.
“This is not just a national issue but an international issue.
“This is the worst possible case pollution that can happen here.
“More people should be made aware of what is happening here”, says Madden.
According to education officer Patrick Ganda, the hyacinths started growing in January, but have spread rapidly across the body of water in March.
The Blesbokspruit, which is a Ramsar site and plays a vital role in bird and ecological diversity, is now at great risk.
Also see: Guardians of Blesbokspruit wetland urge residents to get involved
Ramsar describes a wetland site that is recognised by the Ramsar Convention as being of international importance, especially those providing waterfowl habitat.
In addition, the wetland has also exposed to mining waste and sewage flowing into it, polluting the water and reducing its habitability for bird life.
AfriForum have conducted water quality tests over the past four years and found high traces E. Coli.
“The Blesbokspruit plays a vital role in bird migration from the north. They come even as far as Russia, and if these birds cannot use the Blesbokspruit it could likely lead to their extinction,” says Madden.
The Blesbokspruit is also used as an education centre.
School children are regularly driven to the site by bus and are taught about bird life and the importance of conservation.
Patrick Ganda is the education officer whose duty it is to teach children about the environment.
However, due to the desperate situation of the wetland, Madden says “it is an embarrassment to bring children here because there is nothing really for them to see”.
“We really want to educate them, but now it just seems futile.”
The metro is responsible for the well-being of the wetland, but Madden has received no answers from them.
“It seems that they just have meetings, put their feet up and forget about it.
“It really seems like they don’t care at all.”
Also see: Afriforum find large traces of bacteria in Springs water
Madden’s biggest fear is when the winter frost kills the hyacinths and they sink to the bottom, further polluting the water this will completely destroy the Blesbokspruit as a habitation spot for bird life.
“This is no longer the correct habitat for these birds; we have no more ducks, geese etc.”
Madden wants to know from Department of Water and Sanitation, The Department of Environmental Affairs and Ekurhuleni, what exactly the plan of action regarding the wetland is.
He wants them to give him answers, and, hopefully, come up with some sort of solutions.
Despite being given more than 48 hours, the metro failed to respond to the Addie’s inquiries.
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