Fifty rivers have been cleaned and cleared of pollution under the Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS) clear rivers campaign.

“Rivers are the assets of a nation and water security is therefore critical for the country and its population. The department has therefore adopted a premise that healthy rivers allow for a healthy nation,” the DWS said in a statement.

The ultimate goal of the campaign is to foster communities that are actively involved and engaged in the management of water resources in the country, as well as to help communities become water savvy and environmentally conscious.

This is particularly important given that the country is currently facing the effects of one of the worst droughts in decades.

“There has never been a more important time to remind South Africans that water does not originate from the tap and that clearing our freshwater ecosystems is a responsibility of everyone living in South Africa,” said the DWS.

Through a collaborative effort, communities, regional and national departmental officials, the private sector and other sectors of society have dedicated their time to cleaning rivers, acknowledging the need to protect and efficiently use water resources.

 

Cleaning rivers for Madiba

During Mandela Day celebrations Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane cleaned the Jukskei River in Alexandra, while Deputy Minister Pamela Tshwete dedicating time to clean the Mzingwenya River, Esikhawini in KwaZulu-Natal.

Other rivers cleaned included the Ngwanele River, Kuils River, Luvuvhu River, Siza River, Qumbu River, Molopo River, Orange River and the Moreleta River, to name but a few.

The month-long clear rivers campaign is still underway and citizens are encouraged to join in and make a difference in the upkeep of the environment.