Save the Vaal Environment (SAVE) is successfully combating the invasive water lettuce in the Vaal River through a collaborative effort involving local communities, government bodies, and corporate sponsors.
Vaal River, South Africa (22 May 2024) – In a heartening display of community spirit and determination, Save the Vaal Environment (SAVE) is making significant strides in tackling the water lettuce invasion that has threatened the Vaal River since 2021.
This invasive plant, which first appeared in the river just three years ago, has now spread to cover 25km of the waterway, posing a serious threat to the ecosystem and the millions of people who depend on the Vaal River and Dam for their water supply.
SAVE, a dedicated non-profit organisation, has mobilised a comprehensive effort to combat this environmental challenge. Teaming up with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the Rand Water Board, local communities, concerned citizens, and generous corporates such as Weelee and LottoStar, SAVE is racing against time to remove the water lettuce before winter sets in.
“With the water lettuce growing a third of its volume every month, time is of the essence and we need all the help we can get to remove the invasive plant before temperatures plunge. During winter, mature water lettuce wilts and dies, but not before producing copious amounts of seeds. These buoyant seeds will float further downstream and when temperatures exceed 20°C, they’ll bloom at an uncontrollable rate,” says Derek Holmes, a representative of SAVE.
The urgency is clear: if left unchecked, water lettuce forms dense mats that smother the water surface, reducing water flow, degrading water quality, depleting oxygen levels, and making activities like fishing and boating impossible.
Moreover, the stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bilharzia-carrying snails, posing health risks to local communities. Despite the daunting challenge, there is much to celebrate. SAVE’s tireless extraction teams, bolstered by the support of local communities, have already removed over 150,000 cubic meters of water lettuce.
“The donations received from Weelee and LottoStar allow us to tackle this national crisis with more manpower and machinery. While this will not completely eradicate water lettuce from the Vaal, it will curb it to a controllable level so that future infestations can be dealt with through the deployment of weevils, for example,” notes Holmes.
The corporate partners echo this sentiment, recognising the broader implications of their contributions.
Tanya Fialkov, Marketing Head of car retailer Weelee, emphasises the vital role of the Vaal in sustaining the province: “The Vaal is the primary supplier of water to Gauteng. Without it, we all face a dire disaster. Saving the Vaal from ruin is a way for us to give back to a province that has embraced our new Megastore with open arms.”
Maria Pavli, Head of Marketing for online gaming giant LottoStar, highlights the essential nature of their support: “It is our firm dedication, as a local brand, to provide full support to SAVE in their endeavours to mitigate the impact of this environmental problem on common citizens residing in and around Gauteng. Access to clean drinking water and sanitation is fundamental to our survival.”
The commitment and collaborative effort to save the Vaal are inspiring.
Derek Holmes concludes, “It is crucial to take immediate and effective measures to prevent the infestation from spreading further and protect the Vaal’s health and vitality.”
The fight against the water lettuce is far from over, but with the collective efforts of SAVE, its partners, and the wider community, there is hope. For those looking to contribute or get involved, SAVE encourages reaching out via save@save.org.za.
Every bit of help brings the Vaal closer to a healthier, sustainable future.
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