The Greater Cape Town Water Fund’s Fight Against Invasive Alien Plants

1 min read
water conservation invasive alien species

Invasive alien plants, such as pines, gums, and wattles, are a significant threat to Cape Town’s water supply. Studies indicate that around 55 billion litres of water are lost annually due to these invasive species in the city’s dam catchments. To address this issue, the Greater Cape Town Water Fund was established, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to remove invasive alien plants from the city’s water catchment areas.

Milestones Achieved

Over the past three years, the Greater Cape Town Water Fund has made significant strides in clearing invasive alien plants from seven priority sub-catchments, including Theewaterskloof, Berg River, Wemmershoek and Steenbras dams, and the core area of the Atlantis Aquifer. Between April 2019 and March 2023, the group achieved the following milestones:

  • Cleared over 40,790 hectares of alien invasive plants
  • Saved up to 13.1 billion litres of water annually due to the clearing efforts
  • Created 722 green employment opportunities

Encouraging Results

The initiative has yielded encouraging results, with increased water flow expected to reach the dams that supply Cape Town’s residents. Since July 2021, significant progress has been made in clearing alien invasive plants from the sub-catchments of Wemmershoek, Steenbras, Berg River, and the Atlantis Aquifer core area. By the end of June, the City of Cape Town contributed to clearing a total of 12,487 hectares, which translates into water savings of eight million litres per day.

Commitment to Sustainability

An additional R75 million has been committed to the invasive alien plant clearing effort over the next three years, making it the most affordable scheme within the New Water Programme. This project offers exciting job opportunities and upskilling for workers involved, making it a cost-effective and sustainable solution to securing Cape Town’s water supply.

Gratitude for the Workers

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien, expressed gratitude for the contributions of the teams working on the ground, who often face challenging conditions in the mountainous terrain. Their efforts in combating the invasive species not only help conserve water but also pave the way for a resilient water future in Cape Town.

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

A Culinary Journey at 30,000 Feet: Shawn Godfrey’s Elevated Dining Experience on Lift Airline

Next Story

Motorists Who Ignore the Law Face Severe Consequences

Latest from Blog

Strengthening Ties: South Africa and India’s Strategic Partnership

The partnership between South Africa and India is a powerful bond that goes back to the fight against apartheid. It’s not just about history; both countries share dreams for a better future through advanced technology and strong defense. Deputy Minister Bantu Holomisa highlights the importance of working together, especially to prepare for new challenges like climate change and terrorism. By involving young people and focusing on humanitarian efforts, they are building a brighter, safer tomorrow for everyone. This friendship shows how countries can unite to create peace and growth in a complex world.

A Historic Rugby Showdown in London: Springboks vs. Argentina 2025

Get ready for an unforgettable rugby match in 2025! The Springboks and Argentina will clash at London’s Allianz Stadium in a historic showdown. This is the first time these teams will meet on neutral ground, making the stakes even higher. With passionate fans cheering and a fierce competition on the field, this match could decide the Rugby Championship winner. Both teams are ready to show their skills and make their countries proud in this exciting battle!

Chidimma Adetshina: A Tale of Dreams, Identity, and Controversy

Chidimma Adetshina’s story is a vibrant journey from Nigeria to the glamorous world of beauty pageants. After winning Miss Universe Nigeria, she faced unexpected challenges when she entered Miss South Africa, sparking debates about her citizenship and identity. This controversy brought to light deeper issues surrounding immigration and belonging in Africa. Despite the turmoil, Adetshina returned to Nigeria and continued to chase her dreams, becoming Miss Nigeria 2024, symbolizing resilience and hope amid the chaos. Her tale inspires us to think about what it truly means to belong and pursue our aspirations against all odds.

Nurturing Tomorrow’s Leaders: The Mandela-Sobukwe Leadership Camp

The MandelaSobukwe Leadership Camp in Cape Town is a vibrant annual event that brings together 100 young leaders from across South Africa. Here, students dive into important topics like genderbased violence and mental health, gaining skills and inspiration to spark change in their communities. The camp honors the legacies of Nelson Mandela and Robert Sobukwe, reminding participants of the power of perseverance and courage. As they engage in workshops and share ideas, these young changemakers leave with renewed hope and a toolkit to build a brighter future, embodying the spirit of resilience found in the heart of Cape Town.

The Satirical Asylum: Gasant Abarder’s Middle-Class Musings

Gasant Abarder’s satirical letter humorously asks for asylum from Bangladesh, poking fun at the struggles of middleclass life in South Africa. Using funny stories and sharp observations, he highlights the quirks of identity, the high costs of living, and the absurdities of societal norms. He dreams of cricket glory in Bangladesh while feeling overlooked at home, showing his longing for belonging. Through laughter, Abarder encourages us to reflect on our own lives and seek hope amid chaos, reminding us that humor can help us navigate life’s tricky paths.