21 November, 2002

Press Release

COUNCIL AGREES TO THE JUKSKEI REHABILITATION

The City of Johannesburg Council today approved a report on the Jukskei Rehabilitation initiative.

The City conducted a study early this year with the aim of presenting engineering, environmental and social solutions to improve the state of the Jukskei River.

The Jukskei Environmental Management Framework ((JEMF), which forms part of the Greater Alexandra Reconstruction and Urban Renewal Project, was prompted by the need to arrest further deterioration on the Jukskei.

The results of a biomonitoring survey indicate major deterioration in water quality. This can only be attributed to flooding, pollution problems as well as sediment build-up.

According to the City's Assistant Director responsible for Air and Water Quality Monitoring, Ms Jane Eagle, the immediate approach is to implement necessary measures to deal with problems relating to pollution, flooding and erosion but most importantly to find ways to stabilise the riverbank.

This plan includes finding ways to slow the water flow into the river especially during rainy seasons and to create artificial wetland to purify water. Running concurrently is a process of community involvement to ensure that the interventions to improve the Jukskei River are carried out in a sustainable manner.

"While implementing these interventions, we want to capture the natural conditions of the river as far as possible," Said Ms Eagle.

Ends

For more information contact:
Nthatisi Modingoane
Media Liaison Officer
CITY OF JOHANNESBURG
Tel: (011) 407 7354
Fax: 403 3494
Cell: 082 467 9228
E-mail: nthatisem@joburg.org.za

For more information about this wonderful City of ours, please visit our website : www.joburg.org.za