Steinberg

La-Rouchelle STEINBERG

The design of an ecological restoration water hyacinth processing facility at Hartbeespoort dam

Supervisor Co-supervisor Dr MJ Stander, PhD (Arch) Mr L Pienaar, MTechArch (Prof)

This dissertation will investigate various methods to improve the freshwater and hyacinth crisis in Hartbeespoort Dam. The proposed project is site-specific; therefore, the research will focus on the site’s history and the hyacinth crisis, which is the main inspiration behind the building programme.

The proposed outcome provides necessary information for building a processing facility and production plant that will optimise the production of the water hyacinth products. The building will function as an ecological restoration facility utilising hyacinth to produce fertiliser as a source of income, therefore using hyacinth as an ally in the war against itself.

The main problem created by the water hyacinth crisis is water loss through evapotranspiration, altering the water balance of the entire region. The hyacinths form a barrier to the water flow, which increases sedimentation, causes flooding and soil erosion and obstructs navigation. Fishing, as a resource for local communities, is being impacted. There has been a dramatic change in the chemical and physical properties of the water in the ecosystem, leading to detrimental effects on plants and animals. In addition, cultivation in the area is threatened, arising from the obstruction of drainage systems and irrigation canals.

The hyacinth constitutes a public health and environmental problem by creating a microhabitat that breeds disease. The expected outcome is to produce a building that will remove the hyacinth and create fertiliser while involving the community. The process will help the recovery of ecosystemic problems related to the growth of the hyacinth plant.

Keywords

Hyacinth Crisis, Rehabilitate, Recover, Remove, Reuse, Restore