SA Roads Agency supports environmental protection
Twenty rare plant species were identified and rescued before the interchange construction
DURING construction phase of the KwaMbonambi N2 interchange, 20 rare plant species were selected for rescue, later replanted and are now thriving despite dry weather conditions.
‘During the design stage, SANRAL (SA National Roads Agency Ltd) discovered that the ideal location for the interchange footprint was within a previously thriving wetland catchment that had dried up significantly because of previous alterations of the natural drainage path by commercial forestry plantation and historical development of the railway line, power line servitude and the N2,’ said SANRAL in a statement.
Considered a rare type of vegetation, there were environmental sensitivities regarding the swamp forest and SANRAL saw the interchange development as an opportunity to revive the swamp forest on the downstream side.
‘In keeping with SANRAL’s approach to environmental management based on its commitment to enhancing eco-efficiency, and identifying and managing or eliminating environmental risks, biodiversity assets at the project site needed to be secured,’ said the roads agency.
A botanist collected seedlings and cuttings from the rare species which were stored at a local nursery for use during the rehabilitation stage.
Two hectares of the swamp forest was removed to make way for the bridge abutment, and trees removed included the protected species Ficus trichopoda, for which necessary permits were acquired prior to construction.
More than 90% of the plant species replanted are thriving.
SANRAL Eastern Region Operations and Maintenance Manager, Dumisani Nkabinde, said wetlands play a crucial role in the purification of water, reduce the severity of floods and regulate water, especially during droughts.
‘When the plants go, these valuable functions disappear.
‘Rehabilitation involved replacing alien vegetation with indigenous species.
‘At SANRAL we care deeply about the environment and want to preserve it for future generations.
‘While roads infrastructure development is a social and economic necessity, it must not be at the expense of environmental sustainability.’
ALSO READ: N2 construction two months behind schedule
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
