The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has launched a five-year R2.67-billion Working for Water Programme aimed at eradicating invasive alien plants in communities.

The programme will result in just under 39 000 job opportunities being created every year of the five-year programme, totalling 194 195 jobs, mostly in rural communities throughout the country.

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy said during the launch of the programme on November 17 that biological invasions by alien plants were a major threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services, water resources and sustainable livelihoods.

These types of plants often exacerbate floods, droughts and wildfires, which meant, in the context of climate change and extreme weather events increasing, government felt it necessary to combat alien plant species in Gauteng’s wetlands, rivers and on land.

Additionally, some invasive tree species use significant amounts of South Africa’s runoff water every year, which is a major loss for a water-scarce country.

“By clearing waterways and managing the spread of invasive species we are restoring natural habitats and simultaneously restoring ecosystem services that will assist us in the fight against the effects of climate change,” Creecy stated.

To ensure sustainable clearing of alien species on a regular basis, as well as sustained public employment, the DFFE has extended contracting over a longer five-year period, as opposed to short-term contracts in the past.

For local small enterprises in rural communities this also offers a reliable revenue that can assist the enterprises to invest in their businesses to ensure future opportunities.

“This means that the Working for Water Programme is growing and is advancing the inclusion of previously disadvantaged enterprises to participate more meaningfully in the value chain of clearing invasive alien species. In this way the Working for Water Programme advances transformation and prioritises the inclusive economy policies of government,” Creecy said.