Hennops river clean-up yields 11 tons of filth
“After one downpour last week, an inconceivable amount of waste came downstream."
At least 11 tons of waste were removed from the Hennops river during an emergency post-flood clean-up headed by Hennops Revival founder Tarryn Johnston at the weekend.
“We had 50 people remove 452 bags of waste which equate to 11 300kg from the Hennops,” she said.
This hefty pile of waste, however, did not include tree stumps, other organic matter, tyres and dead dog carcasses which were also removed.
Johnston noted it was a “day well spent with the most incredible people”.
The clean-up was partially necessitated by the rain early last week.
ALSO READ: Permanent closure of Hennops Road in final stages for approval
“After one downpour on Monday [last week], an inconceivable amount of waste came downstream,” she said.
As the water level rose and the flow of the water increased, anything which was stuck at any place upstream dislodged and washed down.
“Most of it gets stuck again as the level drops and the flow rate returns to normal,” Johnston said, adding it was important to keep the biggest litter trap clean, as the rainy season had arrived.
“We not only expect rain but, realistically, more rubbish too,” Johnston said.
She extended her gratitude to all the volunteers and friends of the Hennops who had come out, extended a helping hand and given up their time for the cause.
Last month, Johnston said so-called “dead water” was discovered in the river.
“Sadly, but not surprisingly, no life was found in the Hennops water – it was completely black and dead,” she said.
This was after they joined forces with Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots, who conducted a mini-SASS experiment to determine the river’s health on #WordCleanupDay2020.
ALSO READ: ‘Dead water’ discovered at Hennops River clean-up
“They, however, went through to Bronberrick spruit and collected samples which were full of life,” Johnston said, adding the dissolved oxygen level in Bronberrick was at level three, while Hennops was level one.
She also thanked their sponsors, which included Oasis Water, Centurion hotel and the Tshwane metro among others.
“I’m also grateful to the phenomenal human beings who ensure that days like these run smoothly, have everything available, clean, sorted, structured and organised along with getting down and dirty,” Johnston said.
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