Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 15 March 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# The City of Cape Town’s Water Pollution Control team is clamping down on illegal connections and discharges to the stormwater system. Between March last year and February this year, 12-thousand-580 property inspections were done, resulting in the issuing of 159 contravention notices, and the disconnection of 40 illegal connections. Mayoral committee member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, says the main sources of pollution into stormwater channels include the direct discharge from toilets and illegal dumping of solid waste:

# Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, and his Zimbabwean counterpart, Anxious Jongwe Masuka, have signed a memorandum of understanding for the transfer of treated water from Beitbridge water treatment works to Musina in Limpopo. Director-general, Sean Phillips says the bilateral agreement will provide approximately 15-million cubic meters per annum to the Musina area, benefiting over 132-thousand residents across 192 villages, supporting various socio-economic activities:

# And finally: The world is commemorating the 27th International Day of Action for Rivers today. Communities worldwide have united to emphasise the critical importance of protecting rivers. This year’s theme, ‘Water for All,’ highlights various water-related challenges, from access to clean water to fighting against dams and water privatisation. Reports indicate that freshwater ecosystems are facing alarming declines, hence advocates stress the need for collective action to defend, protect, and restore rivers.

Stay tuned for more news………….