Community urged to stop littering the streams

Members of the Umkariso Women in Water Cooperative in Mamelodi East, ward 16 continued to take care of nature.

On June 21, they joined the youth of Mamelodi east extension 5 to host another clean-up programme, this time to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Cooperative founder Nomvula Maselela said illegal dumping near the streams needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

She said it was important for all to make sure that their streams are clean as water is an important resource.

“We wish the community should stop littering in the streams.

“We have hands, and we are capable of cleaning the stream ourselves,” said Maselela.

Umkariso has partnered with the Walter Sisulu Environmental Cleaning Programme.

“The programme started by clearing all the illegal dumping sites near the stream up the bridge,” said Maselela.

“The programme aimed to educate the public about illegal dumping and how it affects our health and environment.”

“Illegal dumping sites also pollute our streams. Taking care of the stream means preventing water pollution.

“Nearby residents are unable to open windows to enjoy fresh air because of the flies and mosquitos. Our health is at risk because of the bad smell from the illegal dumping.

Maselela added that illegal dumping at the stream is also caused by people selling food by the stream because they dump their rubbish in the stream.

“We have pleaded with them to stop littering and instead use plastic waste bags, and Tshwane waste management will collect the bags.”

Umkariso was formed in 2013 by 12 women and three men, and today the membership has grown.

“We are not only cleaning the stream but also do door-to-door campaigns to educate the community not to litter the stream and about the importance of water in our communities,” she said.

According to Maselela, cleaning the stream promoted a healthy lifestyle.

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