Hennops Revival halts in-river clean-up operations

“After careful consideration, it is with a heavy heart that I announce an exceptionally difficult decision regarding Hennops River and the River Warriors,” said project founder and award-winning river activist Tarryn Johnston.

“The decision has been made due to the river experiencing an overwhelming concentration of sewage, surpassing the natural water content to a degree that is highly concerning.”

Johnston said she was concerned about the increased risks of waterborne diseases, especially during the rainy season.

“Heavy rains and flooding can lead to further contamination of our water sources, posing a threat to the health of anyone in contact with the water.

I cannot send earth angels into a festering cesspool of death, rot and decay any longer,” she told Rekord.

“Our work seems to have enabled even more apathy.”

She said Hennops Revival recognised the severity of the situation and was committed to taking a more comprehensive and in-depth approach.

Johnston employed a group of 18 individuals, the highly skilled and dedicated River Warriors, who are now out of work. She said they are open to employment opportunities and urged organisations with opportunities to contact her.

Over the past four years, the Hennops River Revival project has grown from a small concern to a major award-winning force fighting for clean water.

The project has attracted the attention of international companies, government departments, environmental organisations and the public at large, and has won numerous awards for its contribution to water conservation.

The Hennops River is one of Gauteng’s most polluted rivers, with many Centurion residents regularly coming face-to-face with the effects of the pollution.

Johnston’s organisation worked tirelessly to combat this.

Since their first clean-up, Hennops Revival has done over 700 clean-ups, created over 8 000 job opportunities, and generated over 24 000 volunteer hours.

The project has removed more than 162 500 bags of waste, including other debris and waste – an estimated 4 585 280kg of waste out of the water system.

Johnston said the organisation would continue with periodic corporate and community volunteer clean-ups with a strict no-river water contact policy.

Hennops Revival will be restructured to address core underlying issues contributing to the contamination, focusing on saving water, environmental education, community skills training, poverty alleviation, and promoting positive social behaviour to bring about lasting change.

“We understand the impact this decision may have on our community and Tshwane, and we assure you that every effort is being made to resolve the issues at hand.

Your ongoing support and involvement in the mission to revive and preserve our country’s rivers is precious. Together we can work towards a cleaner and safer environment for all,” she concluded.

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