Businesses operating within the vicinity of the uMgeni River have partnered with non-profit organisation, Adopt a River, to help alleviate the extremely hazardous pollution in the water.
Tons of waste is regularly dumped into Durban’s uMgeni River every year, impacting on the water quality and posing health threats to wildlife, fisherfolk, paddlers and others who use the river daily. A major contributor to this excessive waste is illegal dumping, a problem that a group of concerned stakeholders are addressing as part of World Clean-up and International Coastal Clean-Up campaigns this month.
Reefer Cold Storage, a business operating alongside uMgeni River, noticed illegal dumping taking place alongside the river and were spurred to action. This large-scale operation has also welcomed several stakeholders along with eThekwini Municipality, to not only address the existing waste but to restore the land and put in place measures to prevent further dumping.
Stamatis ‘Kapsi’ Kapsimalis, CEO and owner of Reefer Cold Storage, said: “We have identified numerous cases of illegal dumping over the years, including the misuse of the park area adjacent to uMgeni River. Through much effort and negotiating, Janet of Adopt a River and her team have organised a week-long clean-up, with our focus being on the Willowfield Crescent Rejuvenation. We are encouraging other corporates to get on board and consider contributing to this far-reaching cause.”
Janet Simpkins, from Adopt a River, said they were called in to assist with the illegal dumping as the corporates operating in the area are concerned about the environment. She said: “Hand-in-hand we’ve followed due process and worked with the municipality to resolve this the best way we all can. This is a culmination of how effectively municipalities, corporates and NPOs can work together.”
The river clean-up campaign short-term goal is the week-long clean-up of the Riverside area, between Connaught Bridge and the footbridge along Willowfield Road, of waste and alien invasive plants. The plan is to take this further by establishing a permanent team to conserve and maintain the area as an ecologically friendly environment, while creating awareness about the dangers of environmental pollution.
“Communities and businesses would be encouraged to monitor and report on any challenges, such as illegal dumping so that measures can be taken,” said the team.
