Hennops river cleaned up on World Water Day
Nine hundred and sixty bags of rubbish, an estimated weight of 24 000kg of waste, were removed from the river.
Tshwane metro’s Water Week ended on Monday when residents celebrated International World Water Day along with Human Rights Day.
Tshwane MMC for environment and agriculture Dana Wannenburg got his hands dirty when he joined Hennops Revival River clean-up on World Water Day.
“World Water Day focused on the importance of preserving our freshwater resources, with this year’s theme being: Valuing Water.”
Wannenberg said the Hennops river was one of the larger rivers draining Gauteng, and one of the most polluted rivers.
It posed a serious health risk should anyone use its water.
Residents and visitors arrived at 09:00 on Monday morning, at Irene Farm to join the litter picking around the Hennops river. Armed with gloves, boots, masks, sanitiser, a water bottle, sun screen and clearing equipment, they walked the farm road to the cleaning site and worked until about 15:00.
Tarryn Johnston, Hennops Revival founder, said they had a “fantastic turnout”.
She said 140 volunteers registered to assist with the mammoth task of cleaning the Hennops river at Irene Farm, removing 960 bags of rubbish
“The bags were heavy. Some so heavy that two people had to carry one. So working on an average of 25kg per bag, the estimated weight of waste removed was 24 000kg, and no less than 45 tyres.
READ MORE: Valuing water for World Water Day by cleaning Hennops
“Huge gratitude to everyone who volunteered, including my own team who worked for the love of the river yesterday. From the depth of my soul, thank you to all the parties and sponsors who collaborated with us.”
Johnston said the metro supported the clean-up. Tshwane emergency medical services and waste management’s MMC and local ward councillor Gert Visser were present.
Various sponsors also supported the clean-up.
“Hennops Revival hosted a programme throughout the day and had a polystyrene recycling station and education provided by Supreme Mouldings.
“Bluswirl Waste Management educated on recycling of plastic, glass, paper, metal and waste, while Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots educated on water and ecosystems,” she said.
Various guest speakers had an opportunity to educate visitors.
Ubuntu Flow revealed an original Nelson Mandela painting, and Puzzeline sold puzzles to raise funds for Hennops Revival.
“It was a record-breaking clean-up in terms of bags and people who attended.”
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