The recent good rains played a key role in cleaning the Olifants River.
The strong current caused by the influx of water from Witbank Dam literally ‘flushed’ most of the Hyacinths from the Olifants River.
Regrettably these plants were washed into Loskop Dam, from the Olifants River, with detrimental results.
However there are still some plants present in the Olifants River. They are held back by tree branches hanging in the river.
“Taking a wild guess I think there are about 10% of the Hyacinths left,” said Ms Clarissa du Plessis, a property owner who resides on property next to the OlifantsRiver.
She initiated the ‘Save the Olifants River’ project.
Hyacinth infestation can double in six days and before the blink of an eye, the beautiful blue waters of the Olifants can again be transformed into a thick, smelly green dense mat of vegetation, harmful not only to the sensitive ecosystem in the river, but also to cattle and humans.
“We have to keep the weed under control,” Du Plessis said.
The Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act declared Hyacinths as a category one weed. The act stipulates that landowners are legally responsible to control invasive alien plants on their property.
“We are appealing to property owners living on the banks of the Olifants River, to contact me in order for us to get the necessary chemicals to spray the Hyacinths, before it takes over the river again,” Du Plessis said.
Du Plessis can be contacted on 082 906 0012.
Loskop declares war on Hyacinths
Loskop Dam is in danger of Hyacinths infestation.
But the dam has a strong support system and everything possible is done to keep the dam clear of the weed.
With the recent strong currents caused by heavy rains in December almost all the plants in the gorge were flushed into the dam. Many plants are damaged and will die, but more is in good health.
Mr Jannie Coetzee, regional ecologist from the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, said a Working for Water contractor sprayed the plants on December 11 and 12 by helicopter. Probably 90% of the infestation was treated.
On Saturday, January 11 Loskop Dam management initiated a clean up project.
A total of seven boats could be seen on the dam with people eagerly removing Hyacinths and at the same time tins, plastic containers and bottles left by litterbugs were cleaned up too.
“We have to clean-up the dam on a regular basis, that is the only way we can save it from infestation,” said Allan Hoffman, deputy general manager of Loskop Dam.
Hoffman asked visitors to remove plants if they come across it and place it on the launch pad from where it will be taken to be burnt.
If you want to become part of the clean-up projects on Loskop Dam, contact Hoffman: 083 395 0878 or e-mail allan@foreversa.co.za
