Winterveld residents urged to stop dumping waste in the Tolwane River

RESIDENTS of Winterveld are being urged to stop dumping solid waste, including diapers, old blankets, plastics, and shrubs, into the Tolwane River, which runs through the township, to prevent water pollution.

- RAPULA MOATSHE

The call was made by Department of Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo during a cleanup campaign themed “South Africa is a water-scarce country — clean up and protect our water resources” held yesterday.

The initiative is part of the department’s annual month-long Clear Rivers Campaign, held in July, which coincides with Mandela Month celebrations.

The event was conducted in partnership with stakeholders and community members, raising awareness about the importance of protecting water resources for a sustainable future and environmental preservation.

Seitlholo highlighted that Gauteng’s water is severely polluted, largely due to untreated or partially treated sewage flowing from water treatment facilities into rivers, tributaries, and ultimately dams.