Ken Lever of Ballito writes:
Your interesting article on an invasive plant on the promenade/boardwalk, together with a warning from SANBI, has reference.
The article warns of “Mauritian Hemp” (Furcraea foetida) which has caused serious problems of pasture invasion in Zululand.
Its look-alike sisal or Garingboom (Agave sisalana) is also a total nuisance. Both are seriously invasive and crowd out indigenous vegetation.
Another serious invader has been allowed to gain a firm foothold at Thompson’s Beach and pool. Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) has grown on the steep dune and cliff face (where it probably helps to hold the soil in place), but is now invading the grassed platform alongside the pool – definitely not the best thing for bare feet, knees or elbows, and certainly not for small children.
Unfortunately all three invasive species are difficult to eradicate.
Sisal and Mauritian Hemp require a powerful herbicide such as MSMA or triclopyr that don’t go well with kids or pets, although cochineal bugs have been found effective against Prickly Pear.
On another subject, there is a large washaway with trimmed edges on Ocean Drive at Chaka’s Rock that has no barrier and no warning signs.
There is also a serious hole in the tarred surface around the corner into Chaka’s Rock Road.
Not only are both holes approximately half a metre deep and extremely dangerous, especially for unsuspecting visitors, but can any of our local legal brains confirm that the municipality could be held liable for injury and damages and/or replacement of vehicles in the event of an accident?
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