By 2025, South Africa will be one of 14 African countries classified as subject to water scarcity. It is therefore critical for local authorities such as the City of Ekurhuleni to preserve the water resources, which lie within its area of jurisdiction.

Rich with 206 water bodies, the city recognised its responsibility and has prioritised the rehabilitation and beautification of its dams and lakes. Ekurhuleni has embarked on several projects to rid its wetlands of pollution, improve water quality and resuscitate recreational facilities to ensure residents enjoy the full benefits of their environment.

The Germiston Lake is one of the key projects the city has embarked on, investing over R12 million into renovating the entire park, including the landscaping, picnic areas, playgrounds, walkways as well as the wetland itself (Victoria Lake). Work began in October and is scheduled for completion in April 2013, when the facility will host international guests attending the Airport Cities World Conference and Exhibition (ACE).

The park has been designed to encourage residents to enjoy the outdoors and features a fully equipped open-air gym; revamped pathways for walking and jogging; three playground areas; new park furniture, braai and picnic facilities.

The city is also monitoring the water quality in Victoria Lake and the Water Master machine has been commissioned to clean up the lake. Furthermore, spraying of unwanted vegetation will also take place.

Benoni residents will recall a time when their ‘Saturday afternoon at the lake’ was no longer a pristine pleasure due to the infestation of the Kleinfontein, Homestead, Civic and Middle lakes by water hyacinth. However, in the summer of 2012, patrons were able to revisit their favourite recreation spot as the city had treated and cleared the water of the invader plant.

The City of Ekurhuleni has demonstrated its commitment to conserving the environment by constructing the multi-million rand OR Tambo Cultural Precinct in the vicinity of the Leeupan in Wattville. By clearing its surrounds of pollution and informal human occupation in order to build the 100% environmentally friendly facility, the municipality managed to improve water quality and even attract the flamingos back to this water resource. Furthermore, the facility houses an environmental education centre, which is due to be officially opened on 22 February when Ekurhuleni hosts the provincial celebrations for World Wetlands Day.

Community education and involvement is vital in the process of safeguarding water resources. The 200 women who were enlisted to play a part in the rehabilitation of the Kaalspruit in Tembisa can attest to that. For a period of 12 months, they became heroes in their community as they worked at cleaning the littered area around the river. They were even involved in constructing gabions, which now protect their community as they curb erosion of the banks of the river.

Elsabeth van der Merwe, executive manager for Environmental Planning and Coordination at the city, points out that Ekurhuleni is sitting on the continental divide. “This means that the rivers running in the South like the Natalspruit and the Blesbokspruit are actually going to the Vaal River, which goes to the Atlantic Ocean. Those from the airport side eventually go into the Indian Ocean, so whatever happens here, feeds downstream and that is why we need to make sure that it is clean,” she adds.

The City of Ekurhuleni has also realised that its future lies in upkeep of its natural resources and is investing in wetlands with the aim of creating a water-based economy. It recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the South African Maritime Safety Authority with whom they are working on a sustainable long-term plan to develop and strengthen Ekurhuleni’s aquatic assets and harness its attractiveness as a tourism destination.

Gauteng World Wetlands Day celebration
Date: 22 February 2013
Time: 10:00
Venue: Wattville, Ekurhuleni, Oliver Tambo Memorial/Precinct