THE recent heavy rains which caused widespread damage to infrastructure and roads across eThekwini has also affected the Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve.

Home to the population of mangrove trees in Durban, various species of crab, as well as other wildlife, the roads within the 76-hectare reserve have been adversely affected.

The North Durban Honorary Officers, a dedicated group of volunteers committed to supporting the environment and conservation at the reserve, also do their bit to raise awareness and share their knowledge about the reserve.

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Now they are calling on the community to help with donations of soil or gravel to help fill large holes and damaged tarmac.

Durban North resident and honorary officer Keith Emmerich recently put out an appeal on Facebook for help.

“To be honest the damaged to roads within the reserve are an accumulation of the last three to four storms. It is an ongoing situation and each time it rains heavily, the holes get a bit bigger and the damage get worse. All roads within the reserve have been affected. Our appeal is to residents, specifically those with soil or gravel, to contact us as we could potentially fill up the holes. It could be any soil or gravel, as long as it’s not rubble, it would be greatly appreciated. I will personally inspect it to see if we could use it and to make the reserve easier and more accessible for people,” he said.

Emmerich said one of the honorary officers’ vehicles was recently damaged and he hoped to keep the reserve accessible.

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“We don’t want to turn people away as the reserve plays an important role in the ecosystem. If residents could drop off soil or gravel this would enable us to continue providing you with the quality service you always get at Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve and Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve. Even a loan of a grader with a driver would assist with scraping the road,” he said.

• If residents can help, contact Emmerich on 083 212 0625 and he will facilitate the arrangements.

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