NEWSROOM

Sustainability Initiatives - GARDAG - Restoring ecology of Meulen River

GARDAG - Restoring ecology of Meulen River

Georgians who wish to assist with the Meulen River initiative, may contact Desireé du Preez at Gardag21@gmail.com.

contact details

Name: Mrs. Desiree Du Preez

Business phone: +27 82 922 3180

Mobile: +27 82 922 3180

Email Enquiry: gardag21@gmail.com


Correspondent Pauline Lourens | Tuesday, 04 October 2022, 08:01
GEORGE HERALD - READ THE ARTICLE

GEORGE NEWS - Big ideals came to the fore on Saturday when the Garden Route Dam Action Group (Gardag) celebrated National Heritage Day (24 September) and World Rivers Day (25 September) by hacking out alien vegetation and cleaning up the Meulen River.

This rivulet has its origins in a small wetland situated in Industrial Street, near Rosemoor, behind St Paul's School and next to Coca-Cola's depot.

It also encompasses a provincial heritage site.

The river estuary used to be the breeding habitat for fish favoured by anglers, but the pollution and degradation have killed the river ecosystem, while creating a dangerous environment for children as it meanders through residential areas. 

"Household and industrial waste caught upstream washes onto local beaches. Thousands of rands are being spent to make Victoria Bay, Wilderness and the Garden Route's world-renowned coast waste-free," she says.

Adopt a Corner

Gardag is approaching local businesses to become involved in George Municipality's beautification project, Adopt-a-Spot. The idea is that businesses restore the wetland in their immediate environment, thus participating in the United Nation's Decade of Ecosystem Restoration.

"The first major step that fitted into Gardag's Meulen River rehabilitation plan fell into place when George Municipality began a R30-million major overhaul of the Parkdene sewage pump station," says Du Preez. 

"This is already eliminating a large percentage of the sewage spills, which used to contaminate the river system further downstream. Communities living near the Meulen River will reap the benefits of a healthier river. Let's not forget that an unpolluted river equates to a healthier community."

While chopping down water-retaining alien invasive plants like bugweed and black wattle, former forester and Gardag supporter Braam du Preez said he was enchanted with the birdlife, sedges and other indigenous plants that thrive despite the onslaught from dyes, sewage and other contaminants being discharged into the river. 

He is enthused with the possibility that the Meulen River wetland can, with concerted help from local businesses and George Municipality, become a beauty spot.

Georgians who wish to assist with the Meulen River initiative, may contact Desireé du Preez at Gardag21@gmail.com

"The chopping down of invasive plants and removal of plastic choking this little stream, was undertaken to create awareness that the degradation of George's environment must be turned around," says Gardag chairperson Desiree du Preez.

  • Copyright Author / Creator
  • Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Errors & Omissions Excepted
  • Disclaimer - Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the official policy of Garden Route 101. 
  • No content is intended to malign any individual, religious or ethnic group, organization or company.

contact details

Name: Mrs. Desiree Du Preez

Business phone: +27 82 922 3180

Mobile: +27 82 922 3180

Email Enquiry: gardag21@gmail.com


https://gardenroute101.co.za