Residents of Bothasig will soon be able to make the most of a newly declared fynbos conservation area, with plans afoot for a series of upgrades to the piece of land.
The 10-hectare Bothasig Nature Conservation Area between Bosmansdam Road, Vissershof, and Potsdam Roads was declared a Nature Reserve under the Protected Areas Act after a decade-long process spearheaded by Subcouncil chairperson and local ward councillor, Alderman James Vos and the City’s Biodiversity Management branch.
The plot of land had become a source of concern for residents, being used as an illegal dumping site and a refuge for vagrants, but this changed when it was discovered that it contained critically endangered Cape Flats Sand Plain fynbos. It also has two seasonal wetlands.
The declaration of the site as a conservation area will lead to the erection of a fence to provide controlled access in order to discourage illegal dumping and vagrancy. Alien vegetation will be removed, and a series of pathways, with educational signage, will be installed in the area to educate residents about the importance of conserving Cape Town’s important natural heritage.
According to Alderman Vos, the exciting development provides a wonderful opportunity to preserve the natural environment within a fast-developing urban landscape.
“Complementing the existing conservation areas alongside Edgemead and towards the Tygerberg Nature Reserve, these conservation sites will benefit the community as a whole in the years to come. This was achieved through a much hard work and perseverance,” he said.
“I am pleased to announce what was a dumping ground and magnet for criminal and anti-social activities, is now becoming an area of natural beauty that can be enjoyed and appreciated by all who visit it. I believe that the establishment of nature reserves and conservation areas are essential in the rebalancing of our environment and our community.
“I am working very closely with the staff from the Tygerberg Nature Reserve to consider additional conservation measures such as the restoration of the critically endangered Cape Flats Sand Fynbos as well as the introduction of other rare plant species; and the putting into practice of educational signage and footpaths,” Alderman Vos added.
