12 May 2024

The community of Tonota, led by Kgosi Bokamoso Radipitse, engaged in a cleaning campaign along the Shashe River stream on Saturday in an effort to preserve and safeguard its ecosystem.

The event was primarily focused on preserving the natural beauty of the waterway and ensuring that the river continues to flow freely and undisturbed.

Speaking at the event, Kgosi Radipitse said the clean-up event   came after complaints from horticultural farmers along the river banks that they no longer received adequate and clean water for irrigation.

He said the problem was due to the growth of reeds within the river stream, which is causing a disruption in the flow, resulting in inadequate supply of water.

Kgosi Radipitse added that sand mining in the river had also contributed to it losing its original shape, noting that cleaning the river was a meant to rehabilitate it to its original state.

He said the campaign was characterised by cutting reeds and picking up litter and said it was unfortunate to observe that some people were now using the river as a dumping site.

Kgosi Radipitse noted that such awareness campaigns were vital in generating enthusiasm and encouraging people to take note of the problem at hand and participate the solution.

He urged different companies to assist in maintaining the river to return it to its original state and said it was a major project that required partnership.

Mr Reuben Motswakae a board member of Ipatisise, a non-governmental organisation in Tonota said activities to rejuvenate Shashe River were ongoing, therefore, support from the community and different stakeholders was required.

Mr Motswakae said rehabilitating the river was not easy because people keep on repeating the pollution cycle.

He said it was important to also engage residents in the periphery of the Shashe River on the importance of keeping the river clean and safe for irrigation and water consumption.

He added that in the past, the river was used for recreational practices, something which was not possible currently.

Mr Motswakae added that fish survived in healthy rivers adding that if available, fish was an excellent source of food.

Tonota Umbrella Village Development Committee Chairperson, Mr Gabotwesepe Keletso said sand mining played part in destroyed the ecosystem of the river alongside littering.

He expressed concern that the beauty of the river had disappeared and all that was left was the aftermath of the destructive activities.

He further said people who used to rely on water from the river were suffering as the water was now polluted and the little that was available does not reach all.

Mr. Keletso urged communities to stop pollution, noting that the river is a source of life for livestock and people. ENDs