The Kenmare Kloof has been a hot topic for residents in Mogale City. In recent years there have been many concerns raised from numerous drownings to crime and pollution, which puts the environment at risk.
According to the Rooderkrans Neighbourhood Watch chairperson, Andres Oberlochner, there have been at least 41 drownings over the years. Residents are also concerned about suspected crimes that occur at residents near the Kloof.
Despite this, there has never really been a concrete solution, yet Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) says plans are in place to solve the problem.
According to MCLM communication officer Refilwe Mahlangu, the municipality will work with various community safety groups to give the Kloof attention.
“The Kenmare Kloof interconnects with Pine Kloof through a shared boundary between Mogale City and the City of Johannesburg. The landscape is characterised by extremely steep slopes in certain places and as a result, access control through fencing on steep slopes remains a challenge as both these Kloofs can be accessed by pedestrians and hikers from many localities thus making complete access control impossible.
“Access control and the management of the Kenmare as well as Pines Kloof which ultimately address issues of pollution is being discussed with key stakeholders including ward councillors, residents, NGOs [including the Kenmare Kloof Conservation Association], relevant government departments and entities such as Gauteng Nature Conservation and South African National Biodiversity Institute,” Mahlangu said.
Studies conducted by the Kenmare Kloof Association found that several plants and biodiversity were at risk due to the pollution caused at the Kloof.
Mahlangu confirmed that the Kloof is a high priority.
“The Kloof is considered a critical biodiversity and ecological support area in the Gauteng Environmental Management Framework. MCLM is fully aware of the uniqueness of the Kloof from a biodiversity and conservation perspective. Hence discussions with key stakeholders and relevant to ensure a balanced approach between utilisation of the area for passive recreation and environmental educational purposes and the active protection of biodiversity features.”
Meanwhile, residents are doing what they can to save the Kloof and conduct monthly clean-ups.
