MEDIA STATEMENT
Thursday, 21 May 2026
For Immediate Release
Groundbreaking Flood Alleviation Efforts Underway to Restore Mosquito Valley Wetland
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo strengthens wetland restoration and flood alleviation efforts in Mosquito Valley and Greater Lenasia ahead of World Environment Month
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), the custodians of greening in the City, continues to intensify environmental rehabilitation, wetland maintenance and
flood alleviation interventions across Mosquito Valley and the Greater Lenasia area as part of the City’s broader climate resilience and environmental management programme.
The ongoing work at the Mosquito Valley wetland and surrounding dams remains critical in restoring the natural flow of water systems, reducing flood risks to communities and preserving valuable ecological infrastructure within the City of Johannesburg.
These interventions include the clearing of invasive reeds and vegetation, removal of obstructions affecting water flow, grass cutting, litter removal, and the rehabilitation of surrounding public open spaces. The work forms part of a long-term strategy aimed at improving stormwater management while protecting communities from the increasing impacts of extreme weather events linked to climate change.
The rehabilitation work undertaken at Mosquito Valley serves as an important benchmark model for other water bodies facing similar environmental pressures across the city, including Florida Lake, Moroka Dam and Lonehill Dam.
The City believes that proactive maintenance, desilting, vegetation management and catchment rehabilitation are essential to ensuring that these water bodies continue to function effectively as natural flood attenuation systems and environmental assets for residents.
MMC for Community Development in the City of Johannesburg, Councillor Thapelo Amad, said the work being undertaken demonstrates the City’s commitment to building safer and more resilient communities.
“As we approach World Environment Month, the rehabilitation of wetlands and dams reminds us that environmental protection is directly linked to community wellbeing and safety. The work underway at Mosquito Valley and Greater Lenasia showcases how strategic environmental management can significantly reduce flooding risks while improving the quality of life for residents,” said Cllr Amad.
“Facilities such as Florida Lake, Moroka Dam and Lonehill Dam require similar interventions to deal with the hyacinth bloom, to ensure that water flow is restored, invasive vegetation is controlled and surrounding infrastructure is protected.
These are critical ecological assets that must be preserved for future generations.” In addition to the wetland and dam interventions, JCPZ has also recorded several positive service delivery improvements across Greater Lenasia. This includes the successful, * installation of a new security gate at the Lenasia Depot to improve operational safety and infrastructure security
* extensive grass cutting, verge maintenance and environmental clearing have also been undertaken along Nirvana Drive, Lilac Street and Gladioli Street.
MMC Amad further commended JCPZs operational teams for their continued efforts in restoring dignity to public spaces across the region.
“Residents deserve clean, safe and well-maintained public environments.
The work taking place in Greater Lenasia reflects the City’s determination to ensure that our parks, wetlands, roadsides and environmental corridors are properly maintained and protected. Community cooperation remains vital in helping us preserve these spaces and preventing illegal dumping and environmental degradation,” added Amad.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo remains committed to sustainable environmental management, biodiversity protection and proactive infrastructure maintenance to ensure that communities across Johannesburg are protected against environmental risks while enjoying cleaner and healthier public spaces.
Ends
Issued by
Councillor Thapelo Amad
Member of the Mayoral Community of Community Development
City of Johannesburg
Media enquiries:
Jenny Moodley
Spokesperson: Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
T: 082 803 0748
E: Jmoodley@jhbcityparks.com
W: jhbcityparksandzoo.com
