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

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

4. CONTENTS BACKROUND CHALLENGES INITIATIVES (CAPITAL AND OPERATIONAL)
WAY FORWARD

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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

14. Thank you Patricia Sithebe Divisional Head
Environmental Protection and Resilience
Tel: +27 (0)
Cell +27 (0)