Steep price tag for Lonehill and Witkoppen dams clean-up
City Parks has begun clearing invasive weeds from the Lonehill and Witkoppen dams, but the clean-up comes at a steep cost, following a previous R350 000 effort.
The fight against invasive aquatic plants in Lonehill and Witkoppen is proving to be an expensive challenge. Earlier this year, it cost Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo R350 000 to clear Kariba weed from the dams.
Read more: Witkoppen wetlands gets weeds removed
Now, a further R500 000 has been earmarked for the clean-up of red fern and remaining weed growth.
On August 15, Ward 94 councillor David Foley met with City Parks representatives to map out a sustainable way forward.
Although the amphibious harvester, valued at R500 000, remains out of reach for this quarter’s budget, manual labour and local support teams will drive the current phase of weed removal.
Foley confirmed that a rim flow device will also be installed at the Lonehill Dam, to help suck in and trap weeds for easier removal. “We are confident that residents will see noticeable improvements soon.”
Reeds along the Lonehill Dam’s banks will also be cleared, while clean-up operations at the Witkoppen Dam are scheduled to begin this week.
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