The removal of invasive water hyacinths from the duck pond is well underway.

Seeff Properties recently initiated a clean-up in collaboration with the Groenstrook Gabbas, AfriForum and several local business sponsors.

The clean-up operation began on July 13 with the installation of specialised equipment, and volunteers have since been working daily to clear the dense mats of water hyacinths covering the pond.

The plants are removed using a float-and-rope raking system before being transferred onto a conveyor belt, which loads them into trailers. The trailers transport the hyacinths to a temporary dumping site, from where they will eventually be taken to the municipal refuse dump.

On productive days, volunteers have removed as many as 46 trailer loads of water hyacinths.

“The work is physically demanding, and we could do with more manpower,” said one of the volunteers.

“We especially need members of the public with canoes to help rake and move the hyacinths that are further out on the water,” said the volunteer.

In addition to removing the invasive plants, volunteers have also begun cleaning the duckpond islands and painting colourful murals inside the tunnel as part of a broader effort to beautify the area.

Community members who want to support the initiative can volunteer their time, sponsor a labourer or make a financial contribution to the Groenstrook Gabbas NPO.

Donations can be made into the organisation’s Absa Bank account no 41 0194 8391, branch code 632005.

For updates on the cleanup operation and information on how to get involved, visit the Groenstrook Gabbas/Greenstrip Gang Facebook page.