Benonians are working hard to restore the lakes their town was once known for! With massive hyacinth removals led by community organisations to plans of action to keep the invasive plant under control, here’s how civilians are giving their water bodies new life:
Benoni, South Africa (11 November 2024) — For far too long, water bodies in Benoni (once known for its lakes) have been plagued with seemingly unstoppable hyacinth.
An alien plant species; the hyacinth is known for rapid regeneration. On top of this, it tends to flourish in sewage which acts like a fertiliser for the plant, as Rhodes University explains.
It’s a problem that isn’t just affecting Benoni either. But, Benonians are doing something about it!
Community clean-up and active citizen group Clean Projects recently ran a ‘test run’ for a hyacinth removal effort for their community along with other determined parties. This in an effort to show people a side to Benoni’s lakes that haven’t been seen in years—the sparkling surface.
The test run proved to pack a punch, with between 5 to 7 tons of hyacinth removed in roughly two hours as Clean Projects shared. It’s a remarkable difference that the community have applauded as a huge and necessary effort.
But, what’s the long-term plan?
Plant hoppers are reported to be a sustainable solution and are being bred at the Benoni Lake Golf Club to tackle the Middle Lake invasion thanks to course supervisor Wesley Louth who is putting research from Rhodes into action! As Wesley explains, the plant hoppers have helped other dams in South Africa like Hartebeespoort, rehabilitate by a whopping 80%.
The removal efforts plus the possibility of the plant hoppers’ success is giving Benonians a lot to look forward to.
The other big question on many locals’ minds asks ‘What happens to the hyacinth after removal?’.
Well, there’s a big upcycling plan in the works!
“Clean Projects, together with interested parties, are investigating numerous possibilities of the upcycling of the hyacinth into various products,” the CP team shared.
They are working on a a pilot scheme to manufacture products like compost, combustible brickets, cattle feed and even hand bags and will be working with other non-profits and businesses. Their next removal will see Ekhuruleni officials invited as well as other Benonians.
You can keep up with their efforts and share any input or ideas with them via their social media.
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