WETLANDS REHABILITATION AND PROTECTION A CASE STUDY FOR EKURHULENI METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY Patricia Sithebe

EKURHULENI Established in 2000, consisting of a number of previous local authorities and regional services councils. Population ± 3 000 000; Area 1 923km² 45km from east to west 55 km from north to south

CONTENTS BACKROUND CHALLENGES INITIATIVES (CAPITAL AND OPERATIONAL) WAY FORWARD

BACKGROUND Ekurhuleni (EMM) is rich in wetlands, lakes and dams Over 206 have been identified and mapped About 10% of the area is wetland These water bodies play a vital role in the lives of EMM communities ± 206 wetlands (2007 Audit) 2% are totally destroyed 64% partially destroyed but under threat 34% have little impacts on them

Background of EMM Water Resources • EMM is rich in wetlands, lakes and dams • Over 200 have been identified and mapped - 2% totally destroyed - 64% partially destroyed - 34% little impacts • These water bodies play a vital role in the lives of EMM communities

Importance of wetlands in the SA context EMM situated at the headwaters of major water supply sources for Johannesburg (Vaal dam), Pretoria (Rietvlei dam) and Hartebeespoort dam Wetlands offer a number of benefits: Flood attenuation Natural water quality cleansing Habitat for biodiversity Aesthetics Improving overall quality of life

Challenges Infrastructure encroachment (Housing, Roads, ICT) Pollution due to sewage leakages and other industrial processes Wide spread wetlands erosion due to increased floods Loss of biodiversity Alien invasive vegetation Mining legacy

Capital investment in wetlands rehabilitation Since 2010 EMM has annually invested R 4 million to rehabilitate degraded wetlands The initiatives are aimed at restoring the natural functioning of wetlands The projects entail building gabion walls, weirs and re-vegetation of eroded areas Implementation of wetlands rehabilitation plans creates job opportunities Community education and awareness on wetlands is enhanced.

OPERATIONAL INITIATIVES Due to the connection of the hydrological and storm water systems there is a need for continuous maintenance work around water bodies The operational initiatives comprise all activities to upkeep water bodies in an acceptable state Entails regular alien invasive vegetation control within water bodies Bioremediation of selected water bodies so as to enhance water quality Community based clean up programs

Sewage Treatment Works Industrial activities Agricultural OTHER STRATEGIC INITIATIVES OTHER STRATEGIC INITIATIVES The criterion for wetlands prioritization based on the areal extent of: Land use Mine dumps Informal settlements Sewage Treatment Works Industrial activities Agricultural

Streamline wetland management; and Wetlands rehabilitation and conservation pilot – ICLEI Raise the profile wetland resources in the municipality and improve awareness; Streamline wetland management; and Assist with the development of Spatial Development Frameworks (SDFs), Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) and other municipal documents.

LAKES AND DAMS MASTERPLANS Identify ecological values for priority water bodies; Define the biophysical characteristics of water bodies; Recommend best use in terms of social and economic returns; Define management measures to ensure sustainable use for water bodies

Thank you Patricia Sithebe Divisional Head Environmental Protection and Resilience Tel: +27 (0) 11 999 3308 Cell +27 (0) 83 7642461 Email: patricia.sithebe@ekurhuleni.gov.za