Locals’ actions threaten river

Boreholes, litter and pumping water from the river are huge problems for the Friends of the Liesbeek, said out-going river manager Conor Eastment.

The FoL focuses on creating awareness, rehabilitating and conserving the river. A dedicated maintenance team work along the 9km stretch of the river five days a week.

Connor said that a big threat is silt in the Liesbeek River caused by the increase in borehole drilling in Obs.

This causes the silt found in soil and rock to flow out of the ground and washes down storm water drains that flow into the river.

Silt can suffocate river life and cause damage. Conor said silt straps have to put in place when drilling boreholes or homeowners can be fined by the city.

Litter and building rubble from construction also contribute to pollutants in the river.

Another threat to the river is people and businesses pumping water directly from the river for private use, which is not allowed as it disrupts the flow of the river.

He said that the Liesbeek River is a valuable natural resource and it is the responsibility of the community to take care of it.

"A river is only as healthy as it's community and the Liesbeek has shown improved water quality over the last twenty years, a sure sign of the pro-active members around us.

Let's hope this can inspire the greater community to appreciate the importance of a thriving intra-city eco-system."