Water Wheel July/Aug 2021: Water Resource Management 2

Abstract

Rehabilitation of eroded watercourses at Vergelegen The R12 million project has saved rehabilitated wetlands and Lourensford Alluvium Fynbos vegetation, which could have been badly affected by sediment washing onto the area. In addition, it has halted sediment contamination of the Lourens River, part of which runs through the estate. This is the only river in South Africa where a section of adjoining land is a Protected Natural Environment. Causes of erosion Vergelegen has been acclaimed for completing the largest privately funded alien vegetation clearing project in South Africa. Some 2 200 hectares of the 3 000-hectare estate were cleared of alien vegetation by 2019. It is likely that the woody alien vegetation laid the foundation for erosion by displacing the indigenous deep-rooted species which protect the soil against degradation in the event of heavy rainfalls. Structures that concentrate the flow of water, such as roads and road culverts, also contributed to the erosion.

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