University to research on water hyacinth

waterways, especially around major towns and cities where indiscriminate discharge of sewerage water is prevalent, the hyacinth weed floats on the surface forming a canopy that threatens water species like fish.
CUT vice-chancellor Professor David Simbi said in an interview recently that the university was working on a budget for the research.
“We are working on a budget and mobilising other players that can assist with the research because we realise how much of a problem the weed has become and we are asking when it will be before the weed suffocates our rivers and dams,” he said.
The research is expected to commence early next year and will have the core of its funding from the university’s 2013 budget with other players expected to play a role.
Prof Simbi said fighting the hyacinth deserved national support.
He said the university was working on the scope of the research as it involves various faculties such as agriculture and biology.
The research would help establish if there are other uses for the weed.
It will also look at what has been the major driver of its rapid growth and expansion, with a view to eliminating it or managing it.
Prof Simbi said the weed has been left uncontrolled for a long time and has been spreading to areas where it never used to grow.
The Environmental Management Agency has singled out Harare City Council, Chitungwiza Municipality and Chinhoyi Municipality and Norton Town Council for contributing to the spread of the hyacinth.
So far mechanical, biological and chemical means have failed to stem the growth and expansion of the weed.
It is estimated that Government needs about US$50 million annually to control the weed, but has been impossible due to funding constraints.