Wetland rehabilitation hold benefit to Parys
Wetlands in South Africa cover 2.4% of the country's surface, but 48% of wetland ecosystem types are critically endangered. As a result, the country has lost approximately 50% of its original wetland area.
An initiative to rehabilitate the neglected natural wetland area in the center of Parys, to transform the underutilized area into a sustainable wetland ecosystem that will be accessible and safe for all communities, is already underway, and the first phase of the project will be completed within the next three years.
The wetland offers enormous tourism potential with cross-country and cycling routes being developed here, and will also be used by schools as a conservation and educational site.
The wetland area stretches from Tumahole down to the bottom of the Mimosa Gardens, and starts at a natural fountain behind the Viva Filling Station in Parys’ industrial area, says Leida Schuman, one of the volunteers involved in the project. She explains that the wetland is also a main pedestrian route for people walking daily between Tumahole, Schonkenville and Parys. It connects schools, the industrial area of Parys and residential areas.
This area has been polluted over the years by people dumping household waste and building rubble here, invasive plant species, and sewage pollution.
Dr. Mothamaha, municipal manager of the Ngwathe Local Municipality has already given the municipality’s full support for the project and this week during a meeting with the project management committee members, reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to make all resources available for the project where needed.
The benefits that the project will have for the appearance of the town, conservation and safety were emphasized anew during the meeting.
Dr. Mothamaha praised the vision for the involvement of schools, and job creation for the local community, and expressed his wish that the project should be sustainable with cooperation between the private sector and the municipality.
Why the need to conserve wetlands?
Wetlands in South Africa cover 2.4% of the country’s surface, but 48% of wetland ecosystem types are critically endangered. As a result, the country has lost approximately 50% of its original wetland area.
What is planned:
* A safe, clean and beautiful pedestrian route for workers, scholars and people who like to walk for exercise / time in nature
* An area where all schools can participate in cross-country and mountain biking events
* Improvement in biodiversity of the environment
* Job creation by obtaining funds for the cleaning, development and maintenance of the area, and organizing recycling initiatives through the existing network of those who make a living of recycling
* Opportunity for schools to offer additional activities around environmental conservation.
* Creation of a natural park area that is accessible to everyone
The project will not disturb or change the wetland environment as it currently exists, but utilize and preserve it.
Assistance has been asked to professionally map the wetland area and to classify it as a conservation area.
One hundred trees have also already been allocated for the project by the Department of Economic and Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.
The size and location of the wetland makes rehabilitation possible in phases. Initially, the upper part of the wetland (Endstraat next to the new school building in Vierdelaan, and down to the Parys Primary School’s sports grounds) will be rehabilitated. After that, the focus will be on the polluted area along Noorder Street, past the Sasol filling station, and finally also where the Mimosa Spruit runs past Epilepsy SA’s Free State/Northwest center and flows into the Vaal River below the Mimosa Gardens.
The idea for the project started with a few sports and nature enthusiasts who realized that the wetland had potential, and the ball was set to roll to see how this area with its rich bird life could come into its own, says Leida. “Currently you have to drive if you want to go walking or cycling in nature. This is right in the middle of our town.”
The idea is to get private and corporate funding for the project. The funds will be managed by MooiParys as a non-profit organization.
Cross-country and cycling routes:
Marking of the 5km, 2km, 1km and 1.5km, routes that can be used by cross-country runners and mountain bikers has already started. The starting point will be on the C/o End Street and Fourth Avenue where parking is available for participants. It is planned to hold the first two development cross country league events in April 2025.
What we know about the fountain
As far as is known, the natural fountain seen where the wetland begins, was used by the community as a water source when the area was still used for farming activities in earlier years, before the development of the town’s industrial area. Today, residents still use the fountain as a water source. Water from the fountain also runs in a stream through the Tumahole neighborhood. Streams from other parts of the town also flow into the wetland area.
