Aller River eco warriors stand strong
During the clean-up at Vezunyawo, Clermont, volunteers collected about 57 refuse bags of waste, including several bags filled mainly with used disposable nappies.
ECO warriors continued with their objective to restore the condition of rivers as the Aller River Project has reached it third phase.
Phase 3 of this project is funded by the National Lotteries Commission (NLC).
The objective of this project launched in 2016 is to build the resilience and in particular water security of nearby Aller River communities to the impacts of changing climate.
Other objectives include improving the access of historically disadvantaged youth to the environmental sector livelihood and career opportunities and to improve the health of the Aller River waterways.
Recently, the Eco champs, with volunteers, made their way to the Vezunyawo Area 8 section of Indunduma, situated at the lower end of the river stretch covered by the Aller River Pilot Project.
ALSO READ: Clermont Eco Warriors: “Every drop is precious”
The area was named Vezunyawo because the dwelling dimensions are such that the occupant’s feet extend beyond the doorway when he/she lies down.
“Plans for a clean-up here in November and December last year were postponed due to political processes taking place at that time, and Saturday, 24 February was rescheduled as the day of the clean-up,” said the project manager, Nick Swan.
The Area 8 coordinator, Emmanuel Zakwe worked hard to encourage residents to participate.
Despite some community members being unable to participate due to a fire in which their dwellings were damaged, in this first clean-up in Vezunyawo, some 50 community volunteers collected about 57 refuse bags of waste, including several bags filled mainly with used disposable nappies.
ALSO READ: River project makes a difference
“We have stated from the very beginning of the Aller River Pilot Project that ‘clean-ups’ are something that in the long-term should not be necessary because the communities will understand the importance of a clean environment.
However, in the interim these clean-ups are essential to create community involvement, demonstrate visible commitment and show progress. We salute all those community members who gave up their personal time to assist,” said Swan.
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