The City of Ekurhuleni’s plan to eradicate dams and lakes of hyacinth is slowly gaining momentum, with certain projects already underway.
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According to MMC for Environmental Resource and Waste Management André du Plessis, the mechanical control is continuing at Middle Lake, while one of the mechanical implements has been temporarily moved to Civic Lake and Kleinfontein Dam.
“This was done to create openings through the plants to allow access for the boat to commence with chemical spraying,” he said.
“Biological agents known as planthoppers (megamelus sculellaris), under the guidance of the Centre for Biological Control of Rhodes University, have been released at Witfield Dam in Boksburg.
“The Homestead Dam Conservancy has given their undertaking to propagate the biological control agents which will be released in spring.”
During the launch, du Plessis stressed for the eradication process to be successful, urgent attention must be given to the ongoing sewage spills that are not only polluting the city’s dams and lakes but further feeding the plants and contributing to its continuous growth.
“I have been locked in extensive discussions with the MMC for Water, Sanitation and Energy, Senzi Sibeko, to address the matter,” he said.
“The Department of Environmental Resource and Waste Management’s compliance inspector has issued the department with notices to efficiently and effectively maintain its pump stations.”
He said the metro is calling on environmental groups and schools to assist with the breeding process of the planthoppers during winter months.
“The biological control programme always suffers casualties during the winter and will need to be replenished. Assisting with the breeding of these insects can prove educational,” he said.
Interested parties may contact him at andre.duplessis@ekurhuleni.gov.za.
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