Dam gets aquatic weed barrier

THE aquatic weeds barrier is to be reinstalled at Inanda Dam tomorrow, after discussions Msinsi Holdings and Umngeni Water had last month with the dam’s stakeholders, traditional leaders and members of the community.

During the discussions, it became clear that one of the immediate solutions to the water hyacinth that has rapidly grown in the dam was the installation of the boom gate, which had been removed.

During the engagements, Umgeni speaker Sanele Vilakazi said the hyacinth was invasive and that the installation of the boom gate would be a priority. The managing director of Msinsi Holdings, Mbali Ndlovu, said they were grateful for the support of the communities and all the relevant stakeholders.

“Following a series of engagements and consultations with different stakeholders regarding Inanda Dam’s challenges, the board of directors of Msinsi Holdings (a subsidiary of Umgeni Water) is proud to announce that the aquatic weeds barrier will be installed on December 6. This is a significant milestone in controlling the water hyacinth. The aquatic weeds threaten the water quality and quantity at Inanda Dam,” said Ndlovu.

She said they had heard the cries of the stakeholders in business, recreational and communities. Moreover, she said, the board was delighted and grateful for the significant support, professional and financial contribution from the dam users. “The positive collaboration between government and private users to make this a reality has not gone unnoticed,” she said.

Inanda Dam provides thousands of Durbanites with water. Moreover, the hyacinth reduces water quality, consumes a lot of water, poses a threat to biodiversity and could be harmful to other aquatic species.