A dam(n) serious problem
GREYMONT - The collapse of the dam wall at Albert's Farm could present a serious problem to people, vehicles and the eco-system.
One of Johannesburg’s valuable park areas, Albert’s Farm, is being threatened by a potential disaster.
The farm – one of Jozi’s best kept secrets and probably the City’s most cost-effective park – boasts the only artesian spring in the City and possibly, in Gauteng. The spring feeds a dam with water so pure that citizens from all over the province come to take samples, many in the firm belief that it has curative powers. Using the play on words, the spring has given rise to a Spring Fair held annually to promote the park, but this year it has a special purpose – to save the dam wall.
The co-ordinator of the Friends of Albert’s Farm group, Nina Venjakob, explained on 16 August that the wall has deteriorated over many decades and is in serious need of reconstruction. “The potential collapse of the wall not only presents a serious hazard to people and vehicles in the area but could also be a real catastrophe for the carefully nurtured fish and amphibians in the dam as well as bird and plant life,” she said.
“Incredibly, the 90-hectare park is run with only one permanent City Parks employee, and much of the upkeep, litter clearance, indigenous plant conservation as well as removal of alien species, signage and provision of amenities is done by the group. Mountain bikers who use the park and other civic-minded citizens in the surrounding community also help out.”
Venjakob claimed that the City Council had diverted funds to reconstruct previously disadvantaged areas and that it did not have the means to handle the task of rebuilding the dam wall.
“A local construction industry company has now done an analysis of the dam wall and drawn up all the necessary plans and is prepared to undertake the job,” she said.
“However, we need additional funds for this project so we will be running the mother of all spring fairs this year on 30 August. There will be a range of special prizes, games and competitions, music, food and fun. Best of all, the fair will coincide with the establishment of a park run on Albert’s Farm, so there will be something for everyone on the day.”
Venkajob appealed to everyone in the Western Johannesburg region to take the opportunity to help them upgrade the facility and join in on the fair. More information is available on: www.Greymont.co.za and on their Facebook page – Friends of Albert’s Farm.
*City Parks was contacted for comment and hadn’t responded by the time of print.
