Cape Town's solution to river pollution that KZN should adopt
At a time when South Africa is struggling to deal with a pollution crisis, this initiative demonstrates what a city can achieve when smart engineering and political will are combined.
These simple yet effective waste interceptors, strong metal grids that trap plastic and litter while letting water pass through, are already having a visible impact. By preventing rubbish from reaching our oceans and beaches, they protect marine life, preserve ecosystems, and move towards restoring the integrity of urban waterways. But, most importantly, they show that the city of Cape Town, besides getting the basics right, has recognised the immense value in protecting our natural environment.
Regrettably, the same cannot be said for all parts of our country. Here in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), rivers and stormwater systems are burdened with staggering levels of pollution.
From the uMngeni River to the uMlazi River, plastic waste and untreated sewage continue to flow unabated into the ocean, destroying biodiversity and threatening public health. This while KZN's communities are left to live with the consequences—poor water quality, declining tourism, and a natural heritage left to ruin.
Cape Town's model offers a clear, affordable, and scalable intervention. The question is: what is stopping provinces such as ours from doing the same? KZN could greatly benefit from replicating such waste interception systems.
KZN needs to learn from the DA-led city of Cape Town and begin to take the stewardship of its rivers, beaches, and marine life seriously. As a member of the KZN Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), the DA will raise this urgent and critical intervention in a bid to ensure that our province follows suit. We only have one planet.| Hannah Lidgett, MPL, DA KZN Spokesperson on Environmental Affairs
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
a day ago
- The South African
Important landmark in Sea Point gets a R7 million makeover
The Sea Point Fire Station, one of Cape Town's oldest, is undergoing a much-needed overhaul to preserve its heritage while ensuring it meets modern operational needs. The station, which has been serving the community since 1932, has been given upgrades to the value of R7.86 million and is 95 percent complete. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, recently visited the site to view the progress of its extensive renovation project. The newly painted Sea Point Fire Station. Image: City of Cape Town Upgrades include a new roof, fresh paintwork, tiling, electrical infrastructure updates, new gutters, as well as repairs to cracks in the building's facade. Throughout the process, special care was also taken to protect the fire station's heritage status and maintain its iconic architectural features. 'Our Fire and Rescue Service has a long and proud history in Cape Town and we have the responsibility to maintain and preserve our Fire Station. Fire Stations are beacons of hope for our communities in times of emergencies and it is important for communities to know that they are well maintained and continue to provide services for those in need for generations to come,' Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security,' Alderman Smith said. The project is expected to be fully completed soon, ensuring that the Sea Point Fire Station remains both a functional emergency hub and an enduring landmark for the local community. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Historic Sea Point Fire Station upgrades: R7. 8 million renovation project
The Sea Point Fire Station gets a R7.8 millon new look. Renovations to the Sea Point Fire Station, to the tune of R7.8 million, are 95% complete. Safety and Security mayco member JP Smith, along with Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, visited the station at the weekend to survey the recent upgrades. The station is one of the oldest in Cape Town and dates back to1932. Some of the renovations to the main building included painting, roof replacement, tiling, updating electrical infrastructure, new gutters and repairs to cracks along the building facade.
Eyewitness News
3 days ago
- Eyewitness News
WATCH: The bells of Cape Town's famous City Hall clock chiming once more, after restoration of historic clockworks
Cape Town's famous City Hall clock is ticking in perfect time again with its beautiful bells chiming, after years of silence. The clock was removed in March for repairs to restore its bells and chime mechanisms. Originally installed in City Hall in 1905, it was manufactured by UK clockmaker JB Joyce & Co, who also built Big Ben in London. The original parts make it a rare example of historical horology, says Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, requiring special expertise to restore it. "Great cities are built on small details and strong principles. A working City Hall clock and chiming bells are a symbol of our pride and heritage as Capetonians." Geordin Hill-Lewis Mayor of Cape Town The process of fixing the clock included restoring worn drum bushings and ensuring that the sound mechanism meets heritage preservation standards.
