After more dead fish were found on the Hartbeespoort Dam shores in the past week, Magalies Water responded that it noted the reported fish ecosystem challenges and that the Hartbeespoort Dam remediation project aims to improve oxygen levels in the dam.
Hundreds of small dead carp were found on various shores around the dam and residents expressed their concern about the state of the dam and the sharp increase in hyacinth.
“Part of the medium and long-term impact of the project, especially the nano bubbles, is to improve oxygen levels and enhance aquatic life in the dam benefitting the fish ecosystem. This process is not an event, it takes time. We are engaging the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) to partner with Magalies Water and the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) on this project and their knowledge and expertise will be handy in this case,” said Magalies Water spokesperson David Magae.
He said Magalies Water is also exploring partnerships with local fisheries in Hartbeespoort to integrate additional interventions to deal with the fish ecosystem.
Regarding the hyacinth, Magalies Water said it is currently the peak time of the year for the plants. “We should be able to retard this growth in line with our 5% target as additional equipment is being brought into the programme within a month or so. These additional resources should assist in retarding growth,” he said.
Following rumours that DFFE is considering herbicides to curb hyacinth, Magae said it was not aware of any such interventions. “DWS, as the project sponsor, has not advised Magalies Water, nor indicated any approval of such a method of intervention.”
He said the nets project at the catchment areas has also been delayed. “The process to acquire the nets has taken more time than planned. Once they are available all stakeholders shall be informed about their location.”