Spreading like wildfire, Pistia stratiotes or ‘water cabbage’ continues to cloud Newcastle Municipality’s progress.
Earlier this year, Strategic Executive Director for Technical Services, Lindile Zincume admitted the Ncandu River clean-up campaign was not progressing as anticipated.
He attributed the municipality’s stagnating stride to the need to appropriately use the limited funds available to them, and the alarming 12-day regrowth rate (under the right conditions) of water cabbage.
Throughout the duration of the campaign, Newcastle residents have refused to remain silent regarding the state of the river. While some criticised the municipality for an apparent lack of results, others opted for a more ‘proactive’ approach.
In a recent media enquiry addressed to the Communications Department, the Newcastle Advertiser revealed several stakeholders were intent on creating awareness and finding solutions to the Ncandu River fiasco.
In response to this, Mr Zincume said the municipality was unable to comment, as it was not sure what the programme entailed. However, he confirmed a local chapter of a community organisation approached the Technical Services department, with the view of launching an awareness campaign.
“The Technical Services department advised that an item be prepared and submitted to the Executive Committee to solicit collaboration with the municipality,” Mr Zincume explained. “The municipality is willing to collaborate with all affected stakeholders.”
With a new found platform to air their concerns, stakeholders are requested to step up to the plate and play their part clearing Newcastle’s troubled waters.
Intervention is imperative: How do you think the community can get involved in the clean-up? Email your thoughts and feedback to ncschools@caxton.co.za
