pecifically in urban areas , our rivers
“ Shave become unstable due to the increase in cumulative run-off from the developed catchments ,” said SRK partner and principal civil engineering technologist Murray Sim . “ A more regional approach is now required to solve the problem , to ensure the complete river system is taken into account .”
Johannesburg ’ s longest river , the Braamfontein Spruit , is a case in point — and is the subject of a study by SRK on behalf of the Johannesburg Roads Agency . The study into the state of the Braamfontein Spruit will establish what needs to be done to improve the natural habitat and surrounding infrastructure , and will recommend rehabilitation and management measures to safeguard lives , property , and public assets .
Sim said one needs to understand the key drivers behind the river ’ s instability , such as hard surface areas replacing natural vegetation , due to the increasing infrastructure
16 Water Sewage & Effluent May / June 2017