VANDERBIJLPARK– At the beginning of 2024, the Vaal River was a green mass. In some places, there was not even a patch of water to be seen.

The water lettuce and hyacinths took over the Vaal River, and for a while, it looked like the weeds would prevail. However, thanks to the intervention of business owners and experts, the crisis was averted. To prevent it from getting out of hand again, Rand Water, local stakeholders, and environmental experts have teamed up against the invasive aquatic plants.

Some of the strategies now discussed and implemented regularly include biological control, physical removal, and chemical treatment under strict supervision. Educational campaigns also aim to raise community awareness.

Rhodes University’s Centre for Biological Control, as part of Rand Water’s Water Wise team, weekly releases biological control agents into the Vaal River.

These organisms include the moth Niphograpta albiguttalis, Megamelus scutellaris planthoppers, and the beetle species Neohydronomus affinis.

Not only is the spread of the invasive plants limited, but the river’s ecological balance is also restored.