FEATURE
Preparing for WRMR 2023
In October 2019 , Rowing South Africa ( RowSA ) triumphed over fierce competition from Europe and Canada , securing the right to host the World Rowing Masters Regatta ( WRMR ) in 2023 . This historic event marked the first time an international rowing regatta was held in Africa , a significant achievement for the rowing community .
However , the journey to WRMR 2023 was not without hurdles . The primary challenge revolved around the invasive hyacinth , which , despite being under control in 2019 , resurged due to a series of unfortunate events – including floods and restrictions on herbicide usage by the Department of Forestry , Fisheries , and the Environment ( DFFE ) due to environmental concerns . The ensuing COVID-19 pandemic further hampered progress . By early 2022 , over 80 % of the rowing area was covered by hyacinth .
A collaborative effort ensued , with DFFE conducting a sub-lethal herbicide spray , the Centre for Biological Control releasing the planthopper bio control agents , and the Gauteng Government Dinokeng Project sponsoring labour for manual hyacinth removal . After a year and an investment of over R3M , the hyacinth was brought under control just in time for the regatta .
The challenges didn ’ t stop there . The Zeekoegat Wastewater Treatment Works ( WWTW ) failure in 2022 leads to sludge and E . coli entering the dam . Blue Planet stepped in and installed a Nanobubbler to oxygenate the water . They also treated the dam with enzymes and bacteria to reduce the sludge and E . coli . This successful solution has since been implemented at other dams .
The rowing course faced destruction twice , necessitating the recovery and rebuilding of the rowing course . The course consists of 30km of kevlar rope and 2000 buoys and costs over R500k . 29 tons of anchors were installed to anchor the start pontoons , aligner station and the new start tower . All the buoys on the lanes were aligned just before the regatta . A temporary finish tower was erected next to the water .
The next challenge was that we needed extra jetties to launch the rowing boats . With
Betway ’ s assistance , four new jetties were built , and the oldest concrete jetty was refurbished , now meeting World Rowing requirements . Each jetty is anchored with an 8m3 steel reinforced concrete embankment built by G4 Civils .
Sherpa Leisure built a new umpire launch to take the fleet to 5 launches , all with new 4-stroke engines . Pegasus Steel built the steel structures for the jetties and start installations , and also the barge that is used to clear hyacinth and fix the lanes .
To comply with the Department of Water and Sanitation ( DWS ) requirements for a water use licence , we had to rehabilitate the banks . The banks were stabalised with tyres and rocks , and planted with 17 varieties of indigenous sedges and water plants from Abrus Nursery . Between the jetties , blade racks were installed over the sedges .
The sedges and water plants along the banks , and the floating wetlands that we installed with DWS ’ s help , will help reduce the nutrients in the water . We will soon be installing additional floating wetlands .
The sewerage system at the Roodeplaat rowing facility needed an upgrade . In the bid documents , we had promised to install a small package sewerage plant . Instead , we built an oxidation pond on the hill which we planted with sedges . At each septic tank , we built a sump , and the settled black water is pumped up to the oxidation pond to form a wetland . Here the water is treated naturally and creates a haven for birds and other wildlife .
We needed to conserve the fresh water to be able to provide enough fresh water to sustain the regatta and a glamping village . We fitted new eco-friendly shower heads to all the showers and installed a dual water system . All the toilets and urinals are flushed with dam water . During the WRMR2023 regatta , we brought in a filtration station to filter the fresh water for drinking , and we provided water bottles to all the athletes and officials . This reduced the single-use plastic waste .
The rowing facility has also had a facelift . We revamped the top toilet blocks and returned them to use after 20 years use as storerooms . A new deck joined the two clubhouse buildings and created a new boathouse below . Extra doors in the clubhouse open onto the newly paved deck and a new staircase leads down to the athlete area . The clubhouse , kitchen and toilets were revamped with help from Balwin . Balwin also installed new security lights , provided fire extinguishers , and checked , certified , and where required , upgraded , the gas and electrical supplies . We moved the existing boat racks and lined them up in the boat park and added additional boat racks to accommodate 358 boats . We also provided a boat washing area . Hardy plants make an appealing sight in the retaining walls around the venue and new lawned areas created athlete seating areas . The decomposed hyacinth was useful as compost and lawn top dressing . Tree identification tags for the indigenous trees around the rowing facility and fauna and flora checklists , in the souvenir programme for the WRMR2023 , created an environmental awareness . A new security fence around the entire rowing facility improves security , and the fence around the clubhouse improves safety . The Gauteng Department of Infrastructure and Development retarred the roads in the park , and we paved all the internal roads in the rowing facility . A new car park just outside the gate to the rowing area provides additional parking . In conclusion , the success of WRMR 2023 is a testament to the resilience , collaboration , and innovative solutions employed to overcome challenges . I would like to thank everyone who helped to make this historic event a resounding success .
38 SA Schools Rowing Champs 2024