R60m allocated for Centurion Lake, Hennops River restoration
The City of Tshwane says it’s ready to resume work on the rejuvenation of the Centurion Lake and Hennops River.
At least R60 million in funds have been set aside for the clean-up project, with Tshwane officials estimating that the clean-up will take up to three years to complete.
The city’s MMC for Utility Services and Regional Operations and Coordination Phillip Nel says the project had ground to a halt due to delays in the tender process by the previous administration.
“The good news is that last week through the adjudications committee the tender has now finally been awarded, and the work continues from here going forward.
“There is a budget for this year and the following two years to do a rejuvenation, not only in the lake area but also through to the Hennops River,” says Nel.
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Both bodies of water collect massive pollution during the province’s heavy rains, proving a problem for nearby businesses.
“The first phase, that’s where the primary focus will be, is to desalt but also we must prevent any further salt from coming into the river and for that reason we would make some renovation works, upgrading to the riverbanks so we’re reducing further sand from coming in,” Nel adds.
“Then we will also install some litter tracks to make sure that when we get heavy rains, we get a lot of plastic and other litter coming down the stream , that we can stop that upstream and it doesn’t enter into the lake area.”
Nel says the project is unlikely to cause disruptions for businesses or residents.
“The programme is also as such that the bulk of the water works will be done when we’re entering into the drier months and there should be no direct impact on the citizens or their movements around the area."
Listen to Nel below:
