Trees to be planted in water-logged area
“I’m so excited. I've just learned that the wayleaves have been approved to plant 60 trees in the waterlogged open spaces on Oribi and Kessel Streets,” Amelia confirmed.
Ward 89 councillor Amelia Bester announced that trees will be planted as part of a pilot project to address the underground water crisis in Constantia Kloof.
Oribi and Kessel Streets have had a mysterious problem with underground water causing damage to surrounding properties and the road surface in the area.
Studies relating to the issue were conducted by CoJ’s Jane Eagle, Deputy Director: Open Space Planning, Water and Biodiversity Directorate (EISD) last year, and her report confirmed that there was indeed a serious groundwater challenge on the eastern slopes of this ridge area. The study found that there are natural ‘pipes’ in the soil through which large volumes of water travel.
Also read: Results of underground water studies revealed
The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) installed storm water drains to provide a channel for the water to prevent it from running on the streets.
While an appropriate mitigation strategy is yet to be established, planting trees is an alternative.
“I’m so excited. I’ve just learned that the wayleaves have been approved to plant 60 trees in the waterlogged open spaces on Oribi and Kessel Streets,” Amelia confirmed.
“This suggestion was made following the hydropodology tests conducted in our ward as a pilot project to address the underground water issues across the City. We’ll be planting on 16 September,” she explained.
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