City of Tshwane acknowledges its part in river pollution – but says plans are in place
Sources of pollution include litter, dumping and illegal effluent releases by industry.
The Tshwane metro has defended itself against accusations that it contributed to the pollution in the Hennops River claiming most litter came from beyond the its borders.
“The [polluted] state of the Hennops River is due to a combination of factors,” said metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo.
These factors included littering, dumping and illegal effluent releases by industry.
He said some of these came from within Tshwane but most didn’t.
Mashigo went on to say that the metro was doing its bit by making sure that it reduces the amount of litter that goes into the river.
It did this by regularly picking litter and removing illegal dumping within its available human resources and funds.
“We also play our part in making sure we support and participate in the Hennops Revival NGO activities.”
Recently water activist Willem Snyman had told Rekord that pollution in the Hennops River can be blamed on municipalities’ lack of service delivery and failure to maintain sewage infrastructure.
“Municipalities are the major polluters by not removing rubbish and malfunctioning sewerage infrastructure works,” said Snyman.
“The long-term solution would be proper waste management in the densely populated areas at the source of the pollution.
“Bringing sewage treatment works up to regulations would also help. All these basic services receive tax funding, but are not properly managed.
“No doubt much planning, management and resources will be needed to restore the river.
“Other municipalities, whose residents are among the contributing culprits, will also need to take hands with Tshwane authorities and role-players for this to happen.”
ALSO READ: ‘Hennops most polluted river in the country’
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