Businesses and residents help to control water hyacinth
EnviroQuest is trying to lessen the overpopulated water hyacinth at the Duckpond in Secunda.
The ever-growing water hyacinth remains a concern for businesses and residents, which has invaded the Duckpond and Hamerkop Dam.
The Ridge Times has reported about attempts by locals, fishermen and the Groenstrook Gabbas in the removal of the invading water hyacinth.
This project needs a lot of manual labour and EnviroQuest, a non-profitable organisation, came on board.
Speaking to the Ridge Times Elzanè Engelbrecht of EnviroQuest said their focus is on minimising the water hyacinth at the Duckpond.
The team will then move down to the Hamerkop Dam. They are using amphibious excavators alongside a raft and physical manpower.
Complete removal of the water hyacinth is impossible and not an option, as the plant is also needed for its environmental purposes.
“Our goal is to bring this plant under control and manageable,” said Engelbrecht.
Water hyacinth thrives on sewage. It is commonly known that our local dams and streams have seen their share of overflowing sewage, which contributed to the invading water plant.
“This plant is good at cleaning the water, but in this amount, it is a problem,” said Christo Visser.
He said there has to be continuous maintenance to keep the population under control.
“Once we have made a big enough dent in it, it will be easier to maintain, however getting it down to an acceptable point takes work,” said Visser
Visser explained the water surface is not getting much exposure to sunlight because of the invading plant on top of the water, depleting oxygen levels or gas exchange for aqua life.
The water hyacinth has its benefits. It can be used for making furniture, woven baskets and fertilizer.
“It is a beautiful plant, but it can become a pest quickly. At the rate this plant grows, it grabs a lot of carbon from the atmosphere.
“If you keep and maintain a healthy population of water hyacinth, it is good for your water system and the fish population will thrive,” said Visser.
EnviroQuest, who is shredding the water hyacinth before it is removed, is calling on environmentalists for their expertise.
“We welcome constructive criticism,” said Visser.
They requested residents to support this project through labour, equipment, a financial contribution towards the costs of diesel or moral support.
EnviroQuest also thanked all businesses, big and small, that have jumped on board in support of this project.
For more information follow the Groenstrook Gabbas/Greenstrip Gang Facebook page for the latest projects.
Or you can contact Elzanè Engelbrecht on 066 245 5023.
