Community committed to save vlei

 

Locals are fed up with the proliferation of alien plant species in the vlei and the vagrants and criminals who use it as a hideout. Their solution is to eradicate the alien plants, thereby opening the vlei so criminals can no longer use it.

 

However, Peter Lawson, a representative from Bird Life Lowveld, argued that by doing so they would harm the indigenous wildlife and bird population.
“Not only exotic plants would be cut down, but also natural vegetation,” said Lawson, adding that they had found some rare bird species there.

 

Martin Bolton, Working on Fire’s general manager, spoke on behalf of the community and said he had done an evaluation of the vlei with a chemical specialist and that “the alien species are changing the whole diversity of the area”.
Coen van Heerden, community member, added that because of the density of the vegetation, animals are getting scarcer. “The criminals living here are eating the animals, and it is not safe for the community or the natural vegetation of the vlei if we keep it as it is.”
Lawson gave in, and it was decided that a committee would be formed to clean up the vlei.

The committee will consist of a member of the community, a member of councils as well as a conservationist, to ensure that the vlei gets cleared without harming indigenous species.
City of Mbombela Local Municipality horticulturist, Martin Pearson agreed that this was a good idea and said that residents must remember that the council had a budget and that planning was needed.
“We intend to cut out the alien species and follow up with a special chemical treatment. I have a three-year plan to restore the vlei to its natural glory,” Bolton concluded.