SECTIONS of the Isipingo River were sprayed on Monday, August 7, in a bid to stop the mosquito infestation that has plagued Isipingo Beach for the past few weeks.

Also read: Isipingo Beach residents battle mosquitos

Ward 90 councillor, Shad Nowbuth, said the job was undertaken by the vector control unit of the eThekwini Environmental Health Department. Residents had said the uncut overgrowth and the river were the source of the infestation.

“According to the manager of the unit, the water hyacinth plants have to be removed to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. The mosquitoes thrive on the nutrients from the water hyacinth which can be seen growing on the standing waters of the river. This is an issue that has been raised with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment which is responsible for the eradication of weeds, and the water hyacinth is classified as such,” said Nowbuth.

The water hyacinth is an invasive perennial plant that grows on river and dam surfaces, covering the water. Its leaves form dense mats which completely cover the water’s surface, depriving the river of sunlight and oxygen. The resulting water composition provides perfect breeding conditions for mosquitoes.

Nowbuth said an email has been sent to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment for their intervention in removing the water hyacinth. He added that further updates will be provided.

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