Protection and care of Grahamstown’s environment received a boost on Thursday 26 March as the Makana Environmental Forum was re-convened after falling into disuse last year.
Protection and care of Grahamstown’s environment received a boost on Thursday 26 March as the Makana Environmental Forum was re-convened after falling into disuse last year.
The meeting, chaired by councillor Mabhuti Matyumza and organised by Makana Environmental Manager, Ndumiso Nongwe, was well attended by representatives from local environmental groups.
The Kowie Catchment Campaign (KCC) gave a presentation on the Department of Water and Sanitation Adopt-A-River Programme, which aims to involve local community members and schools.
A heavily polluted portion of the Kowie catchment in Lavender Valley has been identified for a complete clean-up, starting in May.
Some 20 partners are already on board, and the KCC urges others to get involved – contact ljforster1@gmail.com.
Makana Municipality is a key partner and will continue to manage the area even after the programme ends.
The aim is to replicate this Adopt-A-River model in all parts of the Kowie River catchment, to restore it to a clean and healthy state.
There was lively discussion about the future role and functions of the Forum and Matyumza proposed holding an 'Environmental Indaba' before the next Forum meeting on 19 June.
Nongwe also made an appeal for information about local recycling projects. Please contact him at.nongwe@gmail.com
