Vaal Action Group (V.A.G) joined SAVE the past weekend in a meeting, focussing people’s attention on the dire distress that the Vaal river eco-system is in, and although we do not realize it, our own as well.
Our economy, health, lifestyles and budgets are affected, and an extra burden is placed on the municipal water works to provide potable water.
The current challenge to cope with the situation will soon become a crisis when the river flow is reduced and the concentration of pollutants is drastically increased during winter season, was said.
Therefore the plea to take action now to force change before a crisis becomes a disaster.
Although the two organizations have chosen to follow different paths in addressing the pollution of the Vaal River, the two organisations are united in bringing it to people’s attention, and garnering support to take action.
At Saturday’s meeting representatives of the Vaal Action Group explained that they have decided on a hands–on practical approach to physically remove and stop the pollution of the Vaal River and its tributaries.
Apart from regular clean-ups V.A.G. is exploring ways in which to stop the pollution in a sustainable manner.
In order to achieve this they are looking to the Corporate Sector for assistance in regard to technical know-how and expertise.
V.A.G also used the opportunity to raise funds for the clean-ups and shared images of some of their activities.
They thanked Dog & Fig Brewery for hosting the event, S.A.V.E. for their efforts to protect the Vaal River and environment, every person who made a contribution, and to Stonehenge in Africa for their generous support.
Contributions are still welcome and can be paid in to their FNB Account, in the name of the Vaal Action Group Associa-tion, Account number: 62791415831. If you would like to participate in a clean-up event, please watch the newspapers and social media or take up contact via 084-269 2493. All help is welcome.
Malcolm Plant, Chairman of SAVE and SAVE patron, Lotter Wepener, on their turn outlined the purpose of Save the Vaal, their successes and aims to stop pollution of the Vaal River. He pointed out that the sewage crisis in Emfuleni Local Council upstream of Parys, is a cause for serious concern, adding that SAVE has a strong court order against the Local Council dating back to February 2019.
He said that Council has not complied with this order because it is technically bankrupt. He said that sewage pollution is on the increase, despite the deployment of the SANDF.
Army engineers who were hard at work at the Sebokeng Waste Water Treatment Plant, have been out of operation since May 2018. resulting in extensive sewage pollution of the Rietspruit and Vaal River. The pollution has flowed through the Barrage and impacted on Parys.
Therefore SAVE returned to court on 14t May with the aim of joining the national departments of Finance, Water and Sanitation and Environmental Affairs to this court order.
It has also listed other respondents including the Gauteng Premier, the Gauteng MEC Finance and the Gauteng MEC: COGTA. SAVE members applauded V.A.G for their commitment in reporting pollution issues to the Free State Department of Water and Sanitation. SAVE suggested that these reports should be advised to SAVE so that they can be added to the SAVE list of reports and used in court action.
