Project type: Landscape Development

Client: Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality

Project value: R28 100 000.00

Project description: The development of approximately 9 Ha Regional Park includes the construction of two small parking areas, two multi purpose courts, four play areas, as well as installation of essential services, walkways, storm water management, manual irrigation as well as area lighting. Historical Thokoza is known for lethal clashes of cultures and this recreational development can improve harmony between Palm Ridge, Thokoza and Khatlehong. A wetland delineation study was conducted to identify the outer edge of the temporary zone of the wetland and the part of the wetland that remains flooded or saturated close to the soil surface (only for a few weeks in the year). Kwenele wetland is surrounded by very rapidly growing residential areas and a cemetery amongst others. The wetland inside Kwenele Regional Park has lost it natural state due to damming and modification to the drainage way. Despite the fact that the wetland state has been transformed to be an artificial water body and a storm drain, its presence in Kwenele Regional Park is important for local community tourism and recreational purposes and biodiversity conservation. Many people are observed walking, playing and bird watching in the park. Nesting birds, dragon flies, butter flies and many insects can also be observed in the wetland. One could conclude that the main attraction is the open waters of Kwenele wetland as wetlands are the best life supporting systems on earth. The development will be enhance with the new Environmental Education Centre to be used as a centre of knowledge exchange and social change. The Southern node of approximately 5ha has just been completed, and teh link to the Southern node is currently being planned.