Local environmentalists are hoping to break the international record for the longest clean-up at a beach this weekend.
If all goes according to plan, volunteers will clean the Milnerton Lagoon for a continuous 27 hours on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 December.
This initiative was initiated by the local organisation Save a Fishie and John Dory’s Zero Waste initiative and was sparked by a joint growing concern regarding waste and pollution at the Milnerton Lagoon.
As concerns for our oceans grow, organisers are inviting eco-warriors from all walks of life to share their commitment to restore the beauty of our shores.
“The aim of the two days is a continuous beach clean-up for 27 hours in lieu of John Dory’s 27th Birthday to be celebrated on 13 December,” says Save a Fishie’s Zoë Prinsloo.
“Play your part and support Save a Fishie on their groundbreaking record attempt.”
The clean-up of the Lagoon will be done by members of the Save a Fishie team, as well as John Dory’s staff.
The official attempt will start on Friday at 10:00. The public is invited to come and support the last hour of the clean-up at 12:00 on Saturday, 9 December.
Creating awareness
Prinsloo (21) started Save a Fishie at the age of 16 and has been conducting regular beach clean-ups across the country ever since.
She has achieved numerous accolades, such as being selected to attend the United Nations Youth Climate Summit in New York City in September 2019 after demonstrating commitment to addressing the climate crisis and displaying leadership in advancing solutions. She has also been name one of the Top 100 African Youth Conservation Leaders of 2021. Last year, she was recognised and awarded a certificate of recognition for her community clean-up efforts by the Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis and will soon be a recipient of a Mayor’s Medal Civic Award (to be awarded on 6 December).
Collaboration
Donovan Cronje, John Dory’s Chief Operating Officer, says this collaboration is pertinent to their brand, as John Dory’s Zero Waste initiative supports projects and organisations that promote recycling, reduces waste, and encourages the public to protect the environment.
“This is in line with our overall purpose of Leading for the Greater Good. John Dory’s Zero Waste Initiative’s mission is to foster and cultivate a future where sustainability is the cornerstone of existence, by providing education, support, resources, funding to positively impact and extend the lifespan of our planet’s resources. This mission includes introducing young people to our oceans and fostering a love for the environment,” Cronje says.
“R1 from every John Dory’s Hake and Chips sold is donated to their John Dory’s Zero Waste Initiative to fund more projects such as these,” Prinsloo says.
Stench returns
Just last week Caroline Marx, a known local environmentalist, said the stench at the Milnerton Lagoon had returned.
“After months of clean water in the Milnerton Lagoon, it is so disappointing that there have been a number of recent major long-lasting spills which have resulted in the recent return of the foul stench and pollution in the Lagoon. While the overflow from the Koeberg Road pump station in the video (taken last Friday) was finally stopped on Saturday, photos taken yesterday still show major pollution in the stormwater canal and further downriver.
“The lack of capacity to retain spills from this pump station has been identified as a risk factor since the 2020 directive and yet here we are,” Marx says.
Progress
Zahid Badroodien, the Mayco member for water and sanitation, shared some good news on Monday of the Potsdam Wastewater Works Construction progressing well.
“Potsdam Wastewater Treatment Works R5,2 billion upgrade kicked off in August, the Western Cape’s second-largest infrastructure project. The City aims to finalise the upgrade in 2027, with the operational trial starting in 2026. The City’s goal is to steadily restore the environmental health of the Milnerton Lagoon through a combination of infrastructure upgrades and dredging of the waterbody to remove pollution build-up in sediment. The upgrade is set to double the plant’s capacity to handle the needs of a growing city, from 47 to 100 million litres of treated wastewater per day. Cutting-edge membrane technology will be progressively added to ensure high wastewater treatment standards.”
For more information, send an email to info@saveafishie.co.za
