March brought substantial rainfall to Riverhorse Valley, with 214mm recorded for the month. Despite this, we’re pleased to report that no damage was sustained to precinct infrastructure. The only short-lived disruption occurred when the uMhlangane River overflowed onto Prince uMhlangane Road, resulting in brief overnight road closures which were quickly resolved and did not affect overall access.
The consistent rain and warmer weather created ideal conditions for rapid vegetation growth. This kept our cleaning, greening, and maintenance teams on their toes throughout the month, requiring continued weekend work to stay on top of tasks. The teams also attended to sand washaways, debris clearing, and vegetation management to maintain the precinct’s high standards.
Key activities included:
Alien invasive control and river clean-up
The alien invasive control teams played a critical role, collecting a remarkable 3,090 bags of litter from the riverbanks and waterways. They also carried out 2m boundary cuts along Kubu Avenue and Riverhorse Road, addressing overgrowth and invasive plant species exacerbated by the rains.
General precinct maintenance
-
Garden maintenance: Island Circle, Riverhorse Close, and other areas
-
Grass cutting and hedging: Queen Nandi Drive, Riverhorse Road, Hippo Park Avenue
-
Hedge removal: Imvubu Park Place (to allow property painting)
-
Retainer wall maintenance: Riverhorse Road
-
Grass seeding: Riverhorse Close
-
Edging and weed control: Ongoing throughout the precinct
-
Sand and debris removal: Including post-rain cleanup in Hippo Park Avenue
Performance monitoring and inspections
Monthly site inspections were conducted with Servest and GI Services, where we assessed progress and identified areas for improvement. These visits are vital in guiding team efforts, especially with the accelerated vegetation growth brought on by the rainy season. Tasks are adjusted based on findings, and teams continue to balance routine duties with additional maintenance needs effectively.
Despite the challenges of high rainfall, the precinct remains clean, green, and well-managed. The dedication of our teams and the flexibility in responding to the unpredictable weather conditions have ensured that Riverhorse Valley continues to set the standard for upkeep and urban management.
