BOKSBURG LAKE REHABILITATION TAKING SHAPE

The City has embarked on a project to upgrade the lake and its surroundings to restore the Boksburg Lake to its former glory. Great progress has been made in the first phase of the rehabilitation.

Around 80% of the weir remedial work and bridge preparation have been completed. The weir is already functional and is intended to separate the lake into two, with the upper part of the lake being the pollution-trapping area.

An estimated R33 million has been set aside for the project and the scope of work includes:

•             Construction of low crest rock weir with a walkway bridge;

•             Installation of floating wetlands;

•             Construction of trash catchments; and

•             Installation of gabions to stabilize the embankments.

Manufacturing of the bridge handrails has started in earnest, and installation is anticipated to take place in April 2023.

Furthermore, planting of floating wetlands inside the lake will be done once it is ascertained that the rainy season has passed.

“Our main objective is to ensure that the lake becomes a recreational facility that serves its purpose to the fullest. We want to see people coming to relax and enjoy themselves here just like they use to before. That is why we are investing so much in this facility because it is a critical asset to the community at large,” says Metro spokesman Zweli Dlamini.

“We must apologise to the public for the delay in completing the project, but we are doing our best to ensure that the lake reopens to the public soonest.”