HELP NEEDED- Water Hyacinth

**Korrie** · 19-09-12

A couple of years ago, I harvested water hyacinth from the Black River in Cape Town.
The stems of the leaves were dried and plaited into a rope.
This rope I used in my factory to weave furniture.

Due to local problems, labour, council etc I did not proceeded with this.

I have rekindled this line of furniture.

I am looking for farmers next to the Vaal were hyacinth pile up or weirs where the water hyacinth piles up.
If you know of areas and maybe have the farmer's name, I would appreciate it if you can forward the details to me.

There will be financial rewards for the farmer.
Job creation for the locals etc.

Here are some links with some of the furniture made from waterhyacinth.

http://www.seagrass-furniture.com/pages/catalogue.html
http://www.seagrass-furniture.com/pages/catalogue.html

http://www.hyacinth-design.com/

ANY HELP WILL BE APPRECIATED!

**Korrie** · 19-09-12

I know there is a weir at Schoemans drift and another close to Wag 'n Beitjie.
Do any of you know the landowners or any other wiers?

**CTHOMAS** · 19-09-12

Go for it Korrie!

This is the best use or disposal of this nasty stuff and if a weavable rope can be made from this soft weed then all the better for the furniture industry.
Why did you not go into it before?

**craig1** · 19-09-12

maybe try letabo weir

**Gerrit Viljoen** · 19-09-12

The Middle / Lower Vaal is void of Hyacinth currently. Here and there sure but nothing to write home about or making furniture. :wink:

**Korrie** · 20-09-12

The last 2 wet years, have definitely limited the amount of water hyacinth in the Vaal section.
As Gerrit mentioned, there is not a lot and it is the beginning of the season.

But we all know how prolific the stuff grows, a bit of heat and stuff will be all over.
As soon as you see the plants piling up, let me know.

**Korrie** · 20-09-12

Originally Posted by craig1

maybe try letabo weir

Where is Letabo weir?

**BenzoV** · 20-09-12

Have not seen much on the Vaal lately. What about other dams in Gauteng? Not sure what the status of Harties is re. hyacinth. or Roodeplaat/Roodekoppies?