Murky pond will cost £100k for full restoration
The pond at Saumarez Park has continued to face issues in the prolonged dry weather.
A pond at Saumarez Park, covered in green algae, could cost over £100,000 to fully restore, according to an environment official. Island authorities have warned against pets and people interacting with the pond due to the algae's presence since 2022. Pond maintenance expert Daniel Lloyd highlighted that the situation has worsened since then, urging the States to consider their options and act swiftly.
Natural Environment director Jim Robinson mentioned that recent rain might help in the short term, but a complete restoration would be prohibitively expensive and would affect other services the government provides. He emphasized that simply refilling the pond, encouraging volunteer efforts, or advising people not to feed the ducks would not suffice to address the current issues.
Moreover, Robinson pointed out that budget constraints have led to real-term cuts in the park's budget over the years, with significant reductions in 2026. He added that a local contractor has estimated the pond restoration at over £100,000, including dredging silt, improving drainage, and installing aeration devices. However, implementing these changes would have implications for other services the government delivers.
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