Proposed dredging to alleviate back-flooding
A DRAFT basic assessment report has proposed dredging of the uMsunduzi River and beach channel within iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
This to deal with the issue of backflooding, which has had an adverse socio-economic impact affecting, among others, local farmers in the Sokhulu and Dukuduku areas.
Last year, the Mtubatuba District Court excused a number of Dukuduku residents who had been arrested in 2022 for invading land in Futululu that they had said at the time they needed to farm after their farmlands near the uMfolozi River mouth were destroyed by the backflooding.
After their court appearance last year, at which the State withdrew the charges against them, these residents maintained they were still in need of land to farm.
In response to persistent back-flooding woes affecting agricultural operations and ecological concerns in these areas, the comprehensive draft basic assessment report (dBAR) was prepared by Indaloenhle Environmental Consultants for the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority.
The report outlines a proposed dredging - the removal of sediment and debris initiative aimed at addressing the blockage of the Msunduzi River and beach channel.
For years, the region has grappled with back-flooding issues, primarily caused by extensive reed growth and sediment accumulation obstructing the Msunduzi channel. This has resulted in the inundation of commercial and subsistence farmland in the floodplain, adversely affecting agricultural operations in the lower uMfolozi flats and Sokhulu area.
The closure of the river mouth also increased concerns about the ecological state of Lake St Lucia.
Draft report findings
The dBAR, which was available for public review from 16 February to
18 March, encompasses key findings and recommendations derived from extensive specialist studies and community engagements.
The proposed project entails clearing the Msunduzi and beach channel of vegetation and sediment accumulation, thereby facilitating unimpeded water flow from the floodplain to the mouth.
Additionally, dune maintenance is recommended to curb vegetation encroachment.
According to the report, community members, who are eager to mitigate flooding on their farms, have expressed support for the project's immediate commencement.
The report further underscores the importance of conducting vegetation clearing and debris removal before embarking on dredging activities to minimise environmental impacts and costs.
The report states that dredging of the Msunduzi is dependent upon comprehensive environmental
assessments. These assessments include analysing sediment characteristics and vegetation types, among other issues.
The report advises against the depositing of dredged material on the floodplain, recommending its removal from the site or that it be deposited outside the Estuarine Functional Zone to preserve the integrity of the protected area and World Heritage Site.
The report is due to be reviewed by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.