The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), in collaboration with Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality and other organisations, partnered to clean up the Tyhume River at Alice, on Tuesday, July 30, as part of the department’s Clear Rivers campaign, aimed at raising awareness about the impact of pollution of water sources.
According to a DWS statement, the Clear Rivers campaign is undertaken in the month of July and is a call to action for members of the public to play an active role in cleaning up water resources.
The statement said the campaign also aims to actively engage communities on the significance of protecting the health of rivers amid the dire impact of climate change that has resulted in drought in parts of the province.
Speaking during the clean-up activity, Bolekwa Kama, director responsible for water resource protection outlined the importance of keeping freshwater resources pristine to ensure water security.
“We need to protect South Africa’s water resources through fostering volunteerism among communities as a proactive approach to protecting water resources,” said Kama.
She added that the good health of rivers contributes to the country’s economy, as different types of plants grow in and on the banks of rivers, with some of the plants providing communities with building materials, such as roofing for huts and or houses.
“Some of the organisations that joined the river clean-up included Coca-cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), SPAR, and several Non-Profit Organisations in the area.”
DWS urged members of the public to report pollution of rivers and freshwater ecosystems to the DWS Hotline on 0800 200 200.
