Lilly cleanups at the completed Emmarentia Upper Dam Rehabilitation project
The major work is done and the dam is open, but teams continue efforts to clear water lilies.
After months of delays and anticipation, the rehabilitation of the Emmarentia Upper Dam has finally been completed, marking a major step forward in flood protection and public accessibility. The long-awaited upgrade concluded late last year, restoring one of the city’s cherished green spaces for residents and their four-legged companions.
Parkgoers can now return to enjoy the dam’s natural beauty, a welcome development after more than eight months of limited access. Regular visitors, especially dog walkers, have been quick to reclaim the tranquil walking paths and open spaces along the water.
While the primary rehabilitation work has concluded, some efforts are still ongoing, particularly in managing the water lilies that have taken over parts of the dam.
Also read: Emmarentia Upper Dam rehabilitation project finally complete
Justice Khoza, site supervisor for Rooriv Construction, explained that although the dam itself is complete, the team is still in the process of removing the lilies from the water.
“We are still removing the water lilies,” Khoza said. “They thrive in water, and because of that, the lower part of the dam is getting less water.”
According to Khoza, teams have already spent five days clearing the lilies, but dense clusters on the opposite end of the dam remain. The removal work is vital to maintaining the dam’s water balance and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
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