As reported by the Brakpan Herald in June, a long-term solution has been found that will see a public/private partnership removing hyacinths from the dam and turning the plants into compost.

Ward 97 Clr Brandon Pretorius told the Herald the City of Ekurhuleni earlier this year engaged in a partnership with Hyamatla Organics, a company that specialises in the harvesting of the highly invasive water hyacinth and then turning it into organic fertiliser.

The company has established a site within the vicinity of Jan Smuts Park and work is currently underway to remove the hyacinth from the dam.

“The partnership comes with no cost implication or expense to the City of Ekurhuleni as Hyamatla caries all the operational cost,” said Pretorius.

“The benefit that this project brings to the community of Brakpan is not only beneficial to the environment but also our local economy as it provides job opportunities for our residents.”

Pretorius recently conducted a site visit to the park to oversee the process and ensure the operations have a positive outcome and are being conducted in accordance with regulatory frameworks.

“Tons of hyacinth is being removed daily and turned into compost at the dam,” he said.

“The visit on the ground paints a picture of hope. I believe this is the first viable long-term solution to the problem at the dam and look forward to the expansion of this operation to expedite the clearing of the dam.

“The operations will closely be monitored and regular feedback given to the community on progress made.”

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The hyacinth infestation has plagued the local water body for years, with the Herald reporting on the issue as far back as January 2017.

The plant is frequently branded as the world’s worst aquatic weed due to its invasive potential, negative impact on aquatic ecosystems and the cost it necessitates to control it.

Once it has covered an entire dam or lake, it starves the water of oxygen and sunlight, which can have an impact on birds, fish and insects.

The municipality has tried various methods, without much success, to remove the plants from the Brakpan Dam surface, including spraying weed killer, deploying the watermaster (a machine capable of doing suction dredging, backhoe dredging, raking and piling) and using an amphibious excavator.

The infestation was the reason behind the closure of Jan Smuts Park in November 2017. In 2019, despite the hyacinth infestation, the park underwent an upgrade with all sorts of new facilities. The park was reopened to the public in June, with the hyacinth still flourishing.

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