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Hyacinth invading the Hartbeespoort Dam in the North West.
Government says there’s a need to put urgent measures in place to combat the sources of pollution in the catchment area of the Hartbeespoort Dam in the North West province.
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, Sello Seitlholo visited the dam to assess progress on the three-year rehabilitation programme undertaken by Magalies Water to remove the hyacinth plants.
The invasive plants have clogged up the dam for years. Thousands of fish have died over the past months due to lack of oxygen in the water.
“The problem is not the dam but wastewater pollution which flows into it,” says Scientific Services Manager at Magalies Water, Phindile Mahlangu.
The spike in the Hartbeespoort Dam has also been attributed to pollution with industrial chemicals and littering on the rivers. But it’s been largely strained due to mismanagement of wastewater treatment from urban zones within its catchment area.
“The department is going to do more to strengthen regulatory reach and harden its hand in holding polluters accountable,” says Seitlholo.
“The use of insects on the other hand have fairly been successful but authorities need to tighten regulations on wastewater management,” says environmental expert Professor Julie Coetzee.
It is estimated that the dam, which used to be brimming with people enjoying the scenic landscapes and recreational water sport, has three million visitors annually and generates R1.4 billion for the province.
Video: Hartbeespoort Dam – Three year programme to eradicate hyacinth
