David Mahlobo will partner with the Mangaung Metro Municipality, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, and other stakeholders in a cleanup campaign as part of commemorating Mandela Day. 

Departmental spokesperson Larry Crisp says they will be cleaning identified rivers as part of the annual Clear Rivers Campaign. He says they will mainly focus on areas where rivers or streams flow near a community that experiences river pollution due to the dumping of garbage in the river or stream.

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Residents of Alao in Harrismith have recently expressed their devastation over raw sewage and waste that has been dumped into the Wilge River. Their concerns about water contamination come at a time the country is battling a water crisis.

Meanwhile, Crisp called for a national and unified approach to protect rivers and wetlands, especially during global climate change. He adds that people will benefit from added value products of healthy rivers and accessing clean water for basic human needs. 

In a statement, Crisp says the envisaged outcome of the campaign is to ensure pollution-free rivers and environmentally savvy communities.

OFM News