Department urges the public join Clear Rivers Campaign to keep rivers clean

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) calls on the public to keep rivers clean for a healthy nation. According to the department, the community can do this through joining the Clear Rivers Campaign. This campaign will help rid rivers, streams and other watercourses of pollution. It will also help to keep them clean and flowing with clear water.

Department spokesman, Sputnik Ratau, said, “Clear and healthy rivers mean a healthy environment and water security for all, especially in a water scarce, such as South Africa”.

“The Clear Rivers Campaign takes place in the month of July as part of promoting volunteerism in the celebration of Mandela Month. Active and responsible citizenry is encouraged across the spectrum where people from all walks of life become participants in promoting healthy rivers,” he said.

“The need for water security, particularly in the face of global climate change and a multitude of anthropogenic impacts affecting our rivers, calls for a unified national approach to protect our rivers, wetlands and broader catchments. Active and responsible citizenry is more than necessary to promote healthy rivers as the relationship between communities and healthy rivers can never be overstated.” The public needs to take a serious stand against pollution and protect the water resources at all times.

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“Let us join hands and stop the use of our streams and rivers as dumping sites. Pollution affects the water quality and also blocks their normal flow, leaving communities downstream without access to water. The DWS also calls on the public to stop the dumping of disposable nappies in the watercourses as it is like dumping raw sewage in the water systems, negatively affecting crops, livestock and human beings downstream.

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“It is important that everyone plays a role in preventing the pollution of watercourses and keep them clean to ensure that rivers and streams continue to provide the many socio-economic benefits for society. The watercourses also provide fish for food and water for agricultural products and livestock,” said Ratau.