MAJOR SETBACKS IN CONSERVATION EFFORTS

A big sewage spill and a large amount of illegal dumping have once more set back our river restoration efforts.

A week after the spill, a meeting was held, with the following outcomes;

- We don’t yet know the exact reason behind the sewage spill, nor how long the reaction time was.

- There is the possibility of sluice gates gets being installed, but this will take some time if it does ever happen, and will have to pass through various departments - due to adding a structure in the river.

- The City will not be able to assist in removing any of the solid waste (the rubbish dumped into the river at Steenberg bridge. This is due to the health hazards associated with the sewage spill. We were told though that collection will be arranged if we take it out ourselves.

- At some point, the team of manual labourers who make the rounds to the various rivers, may be sent to clear invasive plants. We don’t know when at this stage.

- We were told that there have been upgrades to the Kirstenhof sewage station, and also that it is a major station - serving as far as Wynberg

- More community involvement / action is encouraged by the City

- On a more positive note, we were told that the department\s which deal with rivers, has been expanding and that there should be improvements in the future.