Hyiacinth’s is a taking over Bronkies Dam
“Physically removing the plant is the most effective method.”
The hyacinth, an aquatic plant native to South America, was first spotted in Bronkhorstspruit Dam just over two years ago.
According to experts, dysfunctional wastewater treatment plants at Delmas are causing untreated sewerage to be discharged into the river and dam. Repairs to the dam have been ineffective and not reliable.
Warmer water and ambient temperature are causes of more rapid growth and spreading of hyacinth in the dam. Water hyacinth is considered invasive worldwide because of its rapid growth that can form thick layers over the water.
These mat layers shade out the other aquatic plants, causing these shaded plants to die and decay. The decaying process depletes the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water.
The first step taken by the shareholders was physically removing the hyacinth from the dam’s shoreline last year.
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This was a successful method, and they continued the removal themselves.
Isabella Myburgh, a resident at Bronkhorstspruit Dam said, “One of the main concerns regarding the hyacinth invasion is the plant thrives because of the sewage spilt into the rivers.”
Other potential problems include obstruction of river flow, interference with recreational activities such as fishing and skiing, the huge financial implications such as loss of property value and the cost of constantly removing them, as well as creating potential health risks by becoming a breeding ground for mosquitos (malaria) and other disease vectors such as the bilharzia snail.
Currently, residents of Bronkhorstspruit are mechanically removing the water hyacinth and releasing bugs (biocontrol) while awaiting authorisation to spray them. Myburgh said the process is taking extremely long to an urgent situation.
“Physically removing the plant is the most effective method.”
“The project’s success also depends on Mother Nature because the shoreline can be clear one day, and the next, there are new ‘visitors’ because of constant weather fluctuations and wind direction shifts – exacerbated by boat movement on the dam,” said Myburgh.
Therefore, ongoing funding is necessary to keep the project active and ensure funding for labour, machinery, equipment, fuel and any person willing to help is required.
The community is reaching out to the public and local businesses to create awareness of the future dangers since the hyacinth spreads double its size every seven days.
“This plant could cause harm if people do not fight back and remove it from the dam. Everyone wants to see a clean dam,” said Myburgh.
Hyacinth may not be transported and has to stay on a property, but luckily locals are busy using it as compost.
She thanked the families of Bronkhorstspruit, who are taking action and cleaning up the dam on their own accord.
For information about the hyacinth removal, contact Isabella Myburgh on 071 184 0704.
