Alexandra residents gathered in numbers at East Bank for the Drop by Drop Water Conservation Workshop, an initiative facilitated by Brandscapers Africa and organised by Water Wise and Rand Water.

The programme, held on December 3, brought awareness to a community long battered by persistent water leakages and wastage.

During his address, Rand Water’s Buzekwa Hlatshwayo posed a pressing question to residents. He said Alexandra is on the map, and asked, “Are we on the map when it comes to conserving water?”

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Among others, the outreach aims to drive community action around conservation, pollution prevention, recycling, and waste reduction in vulnerable areas. It builds on grassroots efforts already underway, including those by the Alexandra Water Warriors.

Speaking on the sidelines, Oscar Tinyiko Bungeni from the Department of Water and Sanitation spoke about the pressing issue of people building on the riverbank, highlighting the risks of informal settlements built along the Jukskei River.

“Let’s talk about the informal settlements that are being built on the riverbanks of the Jukskei River. You are risking your lives, and you are risking the lives of others.

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“When you build on those rivers, what will happen when there is rain, or when there are floods? …you are going to be carried away. So it is a risk.”

His warning hit home for families in Setswetla informal settlement, who were recently stranded as the Jukskei’s current level intensified during heavy rains.

Bungeni also emphasised that South Africa faces water scarcity, and overpopulated areas such as Alexandra must use water sparingly, and to ensure that happens, there is a need for education.

Mulalo Ramulondi, coordinator of Water Wise and Research at Rand Water, explained the campaign’s focus, noting that they have observed a lot of water leakages and wastage, and most of them inside households.

“This escalates water loss and contributes to non-revenue water—water that is unaccounted for. Residents must check their homes for leaks,” she noted.

She added that the campaign also enables them to go door-to-door, working with families to address water leakages, reduce wastage, and tackle pollution across Alexandra’s streets.

The workshop featured experts’ insights and strategies to tackle water wastage and leakages.

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