The collaborative efforts of the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate and the Greater Cape Town Water Fund have yielded impressive results in the eradication of non-indigenous plants that deplete water resources in catchment areas.
According to an update provided by the City, the removal of invasive alien plants plays a crucial role in making Cape Town more drought-resistant.
Also read: 300 trees planted to complete the community garden in Suikerbossie Park
Here’s what the project has achieved so far:
- A total of 40 790 hectares of alien invasive plants have been successfully cleared.
- This effort has resulted in annual water savings of up to 13.1 billion litres.
- In addition, the project has created 722 job opportunities, promoting a greener economy.
- According to scientific studies, invasive alien plants such as pines, gums and wattles waste over 55 billion litres of water each year in our dam catchments. If nothing is done, this figure could rise to a staggering 100 billion litres per year in just two decades.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Get a 12-month subscription to Garden & Home for R299 (valued at R399). Get it here.
According to the City, by the conclusion of the 2022/23 fiscal year, an impressive 12 487 hectares will have been cleared. This equates to an estimated daily water savings of 8 million litres.
The City of Cape Town has also pledged R75 million more over the next three years to sustain and expand these clearing efforts. This approach, recognised as a nature-based solution, remains the most cost-effective and sustainable way to secure our water supply and meet future demands.
Watch:
Also read:
Manuel appointed as new chief fire officer for City of Cape Town