GEORGE NEWS - George is one of the most exceptional cities in South Africa with several beautiful rivers running through the metropole, connecting the majestic Outeniqua mountain range with the Indian Ocean.
These are the Swart, Gwaiing, Kat, Schaapkop, Meul, Kaaimans, Touw, Duiwe, Klein Keurboom and Malgas rivers. They are in effect small streams compared with Great Brak River and Keurbooms River on the Garden Route.
Thus it is vital that we constantly keep in mind that we live in a water-scarce country.
Although our beautiful region is blessed with lakes, we need to work sparingly with water in the face of the ongoing influx of new residents/semigraters.
During International Day of Action for Rivers on 14 March, the Garden Route Dam Action Group (Gardag) and the Friends of the Kat River are joining hands to tackle the Kariba weed (Salvinia molesta) in the Kat River which flows through Fernridge, Denneoord, Bergsig and Eden into the Garden Route Dam.
"The Kariba weed is one of the worst invasive species, choking up waterways throughout the country," says Ken Gie of the Friends of the Kat River.
Originally from Brazil, this alien plant forms dense mats of up to 50cm thick that completely "suffocate" a water surface, threatening indigenous aquatic plant and animal life. It is also known to provide a breeding place for mosquitoes.
Eutrophication
"We need to act swiftly to prevent this weed from killing the Kat River, one of the main 'blue arteries' feeding the Garden Route Dam. The entire 1,4km river falls within a protected natural area - which also forms part of the newly proclaimed Garden Route World Heritage Site," says Gie.
"We are blessed to live in this beautiful environment, but with that privilege comes a responsibility to help preserve the quality and quantity of our natural water sources. Besides the Kariba weed, we are also targeting the all-pervasive black wattle, bug-weed and rooikrans (Acacia)."
Gardag chairperson Desireé du Preez says rivers are not only vital sources of fresh water, but also sacred spaces for the well-being of both nature and society.
"River ecosystems support a rich biodiversity of plant and animal species. They act as a natural drainage system, thus preventing flooding and mitigating the impact of extreme weather events. In an urban environment they also serve as a valuable recreational resource.
"Unfortunately rapid urban development is threatening the quality of our rivers through exposure to a multitude of pollutants including an ageing sewerage system. We will have to be more vigilant and mindful when using industrial, agricultural and domestic chemicals as these end up in our river systems."
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