The Launch of ‘Otter’: A Milestone for Environmental Conservation at Rietvlei

The launch of ‘Otter’, a custom-built weed harvester, marks a significant milestone in the environmental conservation of Rietvlei in Cape Town. Its function is to cut, collect, and eradicate aquatic plants to improve water quality and make the vlei safer and more accessible for watercraft and the local communities. The initiative is part of the City’s commitment to the preservation of its cherished recreational vleis and contributes to the local economies flourishing around these vleis. ‘Otter’ is a commendable step towards the management of natural resources.

What is Otter and what is its function in Rietvlei?

‘Otter’ is a custom-built weed harvester, designed to cut, collect and eradicate aquatic plants to improve water quality and aid recreational users of the waterbody. In Rietvlei, Otter will focus on the eradication of the rampant Sago Pondweed and curtail algae proliferation. The initiative will enhance the ecological health of the wetland through surplus nutrient extraction and make the vlei safer and more accessible for watercraft and the local communities that visit it regularly.

The Dawn of a New Era

The serene expanse of Rietvlei, an integral part of the Table Bay Nature Reserve in Cape Town, observed a significant progression on the 9th of May, 2024. The ‘Otter’, a custom-built weed harvester, as dubbed by the community, embarked on its maiden voyage under the keen supervision of Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews. This monumental event signifies a significant leap in the ecological stewardship of this waterbody.

‘Otter’ is the sibling in a triad of specialized vessels scheduled for delivery by the City for leisurely vleis. The maiden one, delivered to Zandvlei in December 2023, earned the name ‘Cape Shoveler’, inspired by a species of waterfowl. A second harvester for Zandvlei awaits anticipation in 2025.

Equipped with cutting blades in its undercarriage, a weed harvester is a dedicated vessel designed to cut, collect, and eradicate aquatic plants to improve water quality and aid recreational users of the waterbody. Nonetheless, the procedure demands scrutiny as certain types of algae play a crucial role in the vlei’s ecosystem, which calls for preservative measures in areas where weed harvesting is unnecessary.

Otter’s Function in Rietvlei

In Rietvlei, the ‘Otter’ will focus on the eradication of the rampant Sago Pondweed and curtail algae proliferation. This initiative will enhance the ecological health of the wetland through surplus nutrient extraction and make the vlei safer and more accessible for watercraft and the local communities that visit it regularly.

Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews, the Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, expressed his trust in the Otter’s capacity to improve the water quality. He disclosed that the Spatial Planning and Environment Directorate had proposed approximately R408 million for vlei rehabilitation over the upcoming three fiscal years. This budget encompasses the river warden’s employment creation programme, water improvement programmes at Rietvlei, Zeekoevlei, Milnerton Lagoon, and Zandvlei, the reduction of the weir at Zeekoevlei, and the acquisition of the third brand-new weed harvester for Zandvlei.

City’s Commitment Towards Environmental Preservation

The City’s Fleet Management Department has meticulously supervised this project to ensure its prompt delivery. The construction of the vessel took place right in Cape Town, a fact that Alderman Theresa Uys, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, regards with immense satisfaction.

The weed harvesting operation at Rietvlei primarily targets a macrophyte known as Stuckenia pectinata or Sago Pondweed. Urban systems often encounter an escalated nutrient loading, or eutrophication, and the Sago Pondweed absorbs these excessive nutrients. However, once the pondweed perishes, it releases the nutrients back into the vlei. Therefore, the reduction of pondweed aids in mitigation. Additionally, the weed harvester gathers floating filamentous algal mats that can accrue on the water surface during the summer.

In conclusion, the addition of ‘Otter’ to Rietvlei’s toolkit symbolizes a substantial stride towards the betterment of the waterbody’s environmental health. The initiative not only stands as a testament to the City’s commitment to the preservation of its cherished recreational vleis but also contributes to the local economies flourishing around these vleis. The inaugural voyage of ‘Otter’ indicates a commendable step in the management of natural resources. The vessel’s future ventures will be eagerly observed and highly regarded.

1. What is ‘Otter’?

‘Otter’ is a custom-built weed harvester designed to cut, collect and eradicate aquatic plants to improve water quality and aid recreational users of the waterbody.

2. What is the purpose of ‘Otter’ in Rietvlei?

In Rietvlei, ‘Otter’ will focus on eradicating the rampant Sago Pondweed and curtail algae proliferation to enhance the ecological health of the wetland through surplus nutrient extraction and make the vlei safer and more accessible for watercraft and the local communities that visit it regularly.

3. How does the weed harvester work?

The weed harvester is equipped with cutting blades in its undercarriage and is designed to cut, collect, and eradicate aquatic plants to improve water quality and aid recreational users of the waterbody.

4. What is the City’s commitment towards environmental preservation?

The City of Cape Town is committed to the preservation of its cherished recreational vleis and contributes to the local economies flourishing around these vleis. The City’s Fleet Management Department has meticulously supervised this project to ensure its prompt delivery.

5. What is the significance of the launch of ‘Otter’?

The launch of ‘Otter’ in Rietvlei marks a significant milestone in the environmental conservation of the wetland. It is a commendable step towards the management of natural resources and improves the water quality, making the vlei safer and more accessible for watercraft and local communities.

6. What is the budget for vlei rehabilitation?

The Spatial Planning and Environment Directorate has proposed approximately R408 million for vlei rehabilitation over the upcoming three fiscal years, which encompasses the river warden’s employment creation programme, water improvement programmes at Rietvlei, Zeekoevlei, Milnerton Lagoon, and Zandvlei, the reduction of the weir at Zeekoevlei, and the acquisition of the third brand-new weed harvester for Zandvlei.