Big clean-up for North End Lake

Reed beds, probiotics to purify stormwater

NORTH End Lake is undergoing a largescale natural rehabilitation which will transform it from a polluted problem to a paddlers’ paradise. The clean-up was initiated by Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium operator Access Management earlier this month.

And on Tuesday, a reed bed was constructed and installed at each of the various water entry points around the lake.

The reed beds will help filter debris and prevent it from reaching the lake.

This was done in preparation for the natural rehabilitation process scheduled for September.

This will be conducted by Bay water solutions company Rhino Water and Stellenbosch probiotic company Probio.

Rhino Water managing director Sarel Bam said his company would drop bokashi clay balls to the bottom of the lake.

Bokashi balls are made by im- pregnating benonite clay with Probio’s probiotics.

The good bacteria emitted by the probiotics will naturally eradicate the water’s bad bacteria.

“We will disperse 74 000 litres of the probiotic solution and 25 tons of bokashi balls into the lake over two months while monitoring the improvement of the water quality to verify the effectiveness of the dosing.

“It is important that the cleanup process is all natural . . . that it is not harmful to humans or aquatic life and that it enhances the environment,” Bam said.

Access Management chief executive Chantal du Pisani said the municipality included this responsibility in the stadium’s contractual obligations for overseeing North End Lake’s rehabilitation.

“Nelson Mandela Bay has been synonymous with the title of watersport capital of South Africa. Hosting events of this calibre at the lake would generate economic benefits.

“Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is uniquely positioned. This makes it an ideal venue to host both water and field sports. It also expands the use of the stadium and allows us to innovate to make the stadium increasingly used as a venue of choice.”

Probio managing director Rupert van der Merwe cited urban development as a major reason for the pollution.

He said the lake channelled stormwater from streets.

“Urban stormwater drains accumulate dead organic matter – leaves, food waste and faecal matter – overflowing from blocked sewers. This flows into North End Lake,” Van der Merwe said.

Zsports Events owner Michael Zoetmulder called the clean-up a major boost for sports enthusiasts as well as for sports tourism in the region.

“We have been a campaigner for North End Lake as a top water sports venue for many years. We are confident that a clean North End Lake will become the countr y’s premier water sports venue.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality failed to respond to questions.