THE Baakens River Valley will be restored and the project include eradicating thousands of tons of water-sapping alien vegetation which will then be repurposed to manufacture a range of products including charcoal, furniture, building timber, firewood, garden mulch and wood pulp for paper.
Internationally acclaimed hospitality group, The Mantis Collection, has been appointed as the official service provider for developing a business restoration plan for this landmark Baakens River Valley project.
With a total length of 23 kilometres and situated on approximately 500 hectares of land, the valley contains many examples of unique and endangered indigenous vegetation.
Over the years, the area unfortunately has experienced invasive alien vegetation which has not only choked the indigenous vegetation but has also become known for robberies and other crimes making the area unsafe. Another huge concern is the constant sewage leaking which runs down the length of the Baakens River, contaminating the valley and eventually the sea.
The project which is being coordinated by the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber on behalf of various partners under the GIZ NatuRes – Nelson Mandela Bay Water and Economic Reslience Stewardship, is aimed at not only restoring the river valley, but also to create jobs and an economy through the envisaged restoration projects.
Commenting on the initiative, Cllr Lance Grootboom, MMC Public Health and Environmental Management, expressed the Metro’s support to the project.
“While the Baakens River Valley maintenance and upkeep is a mandate of the Metro, there are always budgetary constraints to ensure the work is done. So, this initiative will assist in developing a uniform vision of how the Baakens River Valley should be developed and maintained”.
The GIZ NatuRes- Nelson Mandela Bay Water and Economic Resilience Partnership identified the valley as a priority site for conservation to safeguard this strategic natural resource of the Bay. The research and implementation plan are expected to be completed within the next few months.
Prince Matonsi, Acting CEO of Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber said they have been working tirelessly in the past months coordinating engagement meetings with the various interest groups. These groups include CCBSA, AB-Inbev, GIZ NatuRes, Santam, DWS, Cogta, Baakens River Valley Trust, MBDA, Avocado Vision, NMU, Wilderness Foundation, Living Lands and private individuals.
