A dredging project is set to commence this week at the Lower Silvermine Wetlands, with the aim of improving biodiversity in the area.
The project, which will include manual reed clearing, mechanical clearing, and opening of the river channel and Leopard Toad pond, is expected to have immense benefits for the threatened Western leopard toad and various fynbos plant species.
According to Alex Lansdowne, deputy chair of the mayoral advisory committee on water quality in wetlands and waterways, the excessive reed growth and siltation of the wetlands over a 20-year period is a result of natural processes and nutrient inflow from various run-off sources.
The natural siltation, run-off from a golf course upstream, and minor sewage spills have resulted in the ‘eutrophication of the water,’ encouraging reed growth, Lansdowne explained to News24.
The clearing of the reed overgrowth will increase the line of sight, improving security and use for the local community and user groups. The dredging project will also reduce the risk of flooding for residents of the surrounding areas.
The project will be conducted under the exemptions granted through the stormwater maintenance management plan for the City of Cape Town, with larger dredging projects planned for Milnerton Lagoon and Zeekoevlei.
The City’s Catchment, Stormwater & River Management branch is investing approximately R7 million into the project.
The area to be dredged is approximately 79 000 square metres, starting from Main Road until the wooden footbridge that runs between Hilton Road and Carlton Road.
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The dredging work is expected to be finished by the end of the financial year and before the winter rains set in.
The Lower Silvermine Wetlands has been used as a reference location for what urban waterways should look like – an interface between the environment, people and well-being. As such, the dredging project is crucial for the restoration of the wetlands.
The dredging project at the Lower Silvermine Wetlands is a crucial step towards improving biodiversity in the area, reducing the risk of flooding for surrounding residents, and improving use and security for the local community and user groups.
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Picture: @CityofCT / Twitter