Lonehill Dam overrun by mysteriously aggressive plant
A mysterious plant has taken over a popular dam in Lonehill, which is causing fear among residents for the survival of the aquatic life. Experts say it can be removed, but it could take some time.
A mysterious, soft-to-the-touch plant has suddenly enveloped Lonehill dam, shrouding it in a thick blanket. Residents are concerned about the dam’s safety, but experts warn that the real issue lies beneath the surface.
With the foreign plant blocking sunlight and oxygen, the residents are worried about whether the fish in the dam are struggling to survive. Efforts to clean the dam are underway, but the task seems daunting, as the plant’s rapid growth threatens to outpace the cleanup efforts.
“At first, I said it would take us a couple of hours to clean it up, but that was just a wild thought. It would actually take us a couple of days. I am not sure what this plant is called. At first I though it was nymphaea alba, but this one is far more aggressive than nymphaea alba, meaning it spreads very quickly. That is why, even after cleaning for a day or two, it comes back,” said environmental expert Donald Movundlela.
He said the plant is very thick, spongy, and moving around the dam.
When asked about the underlying causes and dietary preferences of the foreign plant, Movundlela explained that the presence of fish, cypress trees, and fountain grass, plants typically thriving in wetland environments, plays a crucial role.
He said as these plants help purify the water. They release essential nutrients that, not only draw in various fish species, but also promote the growth of weeds in the area. “Every plant that is growing where it is not desired, is classified as a weed. This plant is a disruptive weed because there is sun, water, and nutrients, so, it is a perfect combination for them to grow.”
Movundlela said the plant is not dangerous for the fish, however, the fact that it is blocking the sunlight affects the supply of oxygen for the fish. He said, so far they did not find any dead fish.
“We are fortunate that the dam has barbel fish, which can handle anything. They can take any temperature, and survive in the mud, if there is not enough water.”
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Ward councillor David Foley said this is not the first time this has happened, but strangely enough, they didn’t have to lift a finger to remove it the first time.
“There was a massive wind, just few days after, and then it disappeared.”
He said, however, this time they are forced to remove the foreign plant, to get the river back to how it was before.
“It started in mid November. I told the general manager of City Parks that the Lonehill Residents Association and the restaurant next to the dam, who were trying to remove the plant with their little boat, it was going to be impossible. We need industrial strength mechanisms to remove this. They initially got about R80 000 approved. That was in mid December, but they only came to attend to this now, in January, towards the end.”
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