Presidents dam has been plagued by a hyacinth outbreak since 2016.
In previous communication with the Advertiser, the City of Ekurhuleni stated it is almost impossible to control the spread of hyacinth because of the rate at which it grows.
In attempts to deal with the problem, however, the municipality used a mechanical digger and chemicals to try and prevent the spread.
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Metro to implement an integrated approach to hyacinths
Earlier this year, a digger was seen removing hyacinth from the dam.
“Aside from the inefficiency of the current way the metro removes the hyacinth, a secondary problem takes root in the removal of the extracted hyacinth which is dumped onto the embankments of the dam.
“This creates a risk as the drying hyacinth seed pods split and spread the seeds,” says ward councillor Lorna Beharie.
She states it is imperative that a proper environmental management plan is adhered to in accordance with the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act.
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“The City of Ekurhuleni has no such plan which effectively places them firmly in breach of the law,” she adds.
Comment requested from the municipality was not received at the time of publication.
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