Jennifer Ndawuni, the chairperson of the Masimanyane Adopt-a-River project, assisted by project manager Wellington Mnuku, galvanised the group so that they will be in a strong position to take advantage of the department's commitment to creating employment on a sustainable basis.
Khan appealed to the group of volunteers to formalise their project before December so that they can formally tender for work from the department. "The DWA wants to use community based non-governmental organisations as preferred contractors so that sustainable local employment is utilised to clean up our water sources, rivers, wetlands and catchment areas."
Addressing a Water Imbizo in the Zone 9 Community Hall, he called on all the citizens of the province to join efforts to conserve and protect the country's water resources as the nation celebrates National Water Week this week. "South Africa is the 30th driest country in the world and the public is urged to make water conservation a part of their daily lives. Our motto of 'Water is Life: Respect it, Conserve it, Enjoy it' must become everyone's slogan."
Khan warned the community that a polluted river will make everyone in the area poor. "The river will make you sick and you will have to go to a doctor. You won't be able to work and you will have to look after your children who won't be able to go to school."
Certificates of appreciation were handed out to all the volunteers who were part of the Masimanyane project.
Lee-Roy Jacobs (right), of Parkdene Secondary School and member of the Globe schools Adopt-a-River project, points out the abundance of waterborne organisms that should be found in a healthy river. From left: Mzwanele Baleni, Ayola Ndatyono, Sinalo Matoto, Nzaliseko Mkhumbeni and Xolelwa Bhele, of DWA. Photos: Myron Rabinowitz
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