Save the environment from invasive species

CITIZENS  have been encouraged to save the environment from the natural invading alien plants that are dangerous and may cause serious damage to the livestock grazing areas.

The call was recently made by Hillside Dams Conservancy general manager Muziwakhe Nhlamba.

He said Hillside dams conservancy Trust seeks to raise awareness on the danger of invasive alien plants to the environment.

 He noted that they advocate for the eradication of some of the invasive species such as Lantana Camara becoming a threat to the grazing land in Matabeleland South.

He noted that people neglect an area for too long and this leads to the proliferation of invasive plants which not only disturbs the natural balance but threatens the diversity of vegetation in that area.

"With close to 15 years of successfully eradicating over 95% of Lantana camara in this area," he said.

"We as the Hillside Dam Conservancy seek to raise awareness of the danger of invasive alien plants to our environment and advocate for the eradication of some of these invasive species in particular Lantana Camara which invaded lands in Matabeleland South seriously compromising grazing areas leading to starvation of livestock."

Hillside dam was constructed in 1915 as an initial source of water for Bulawayo city council and covers 86 hectares.