Good progress being made at Centurion lake area
“Although we have now dealt with the flooding issue, a lot of work still needs to be done. We will continue with the work indefinitely, until it is all done.”
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Good progress was being made to restore the area around Centurion lake despite the current rainy season.
“We started in October with phase one when we drenched the river and the sluice gates were opened,” said Peter Sutton, councillor of ward 78.
“The entire island that used to be in front of the Centurion Hotel has almost been removed completely.”
Sutton said this allows for more volume into the lake. As more water can flow into the lake, it reduces the flooding risk of the area dramatically.
“Although we have now dealt with the flooding issue, a lot of work still needs to be done. We will continue with the work until it is all done.
“Maintenance will be ongoing. We plan to do as much as possible maintenance during the rainy season, but the majority of the work will take place next year during the winter season.”
A maintenance plan for three years had been put in place. Sutton said he hoped the area will attract more activity once again.
“The work that was already done also resulted in resolving the problem with the terrible smell we have always had here. It already smells much better.”
Rekord reported earlier various meetings with stakeholders and residents were held to discuss the long-term vision of the area.
Current work greatly concerns the original and natural flow of the Hennops River on the northern side into the lake.
“The river water in this area was blocked and stagnant for years. That forced the water into the lake area, which had little capacity due to the build-up of silt.”
The metro re-opened the original path of the river and the river can now flow normally.
“Issues such as silt forming, stormwater interventions, flash flooding and groundwater were all being looked at,” Sutton said.
Stormwater experts are also assisting the metro. They are looking at rainfall and climate change studies to adapt the stormwater system.
Sutton said a precinct plan was being developed for the area to offer sustainable solutions which are also according to the metro’s budget.
“Sustainability is critical in all decision-making. Within the precinct plan, we plan to address socio-economic, political and environmental issues. We will utilise resources in the spatial economic plan,” Sutton said.
“We also looked at how Bruma Lake solved its problems,” Sutton said.
According to the metro, Sutton said, it was not worthwhile to spend more money on the lake area unless problems upstream had also been addressed. In this respect, the Kaalspruit wetland system will also receive attention sooner than later.
Sutton said the metro wanted to involve Ekhureleni as well as Johannesburg to also get involved with work upstream.
“Problems such as pollution and raw sewage reaching the Hennops River must be addressed. The metro is also looking at installing more litter traps upstream.”
sl / jo
