Olifantsfontein:Ekurhuleni Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Jack Bloom has emphasized the need for increased community participation in efforts to combat river pollution. This call was made during the official opening of a series of innovative litter traps along the Kaalspruit in Olifantsfontein, where Bloom participated with residents and volunteers in a river clean-up.

According to South African Government News Agency, the event showcased the work of Willem Snyman, an environmental activist and artist, who founded the Fresh NGO. Snyman has developed and installed various litter traps to prevent plastic waste from polluting major river systems. These traps have been set up over several years of experimentation and span more than 800 meters, capturing significant amounts of waste, including polystyrene and illegally dumped materials.

The initiative not only addresses environmental concerns but also creates employment opportunities for local community members who help in maintaining and clearing the traps. The Kaalspruit, which flows through Tembisa, faces considerable plastic pollution, particularly in Olifantsfontein, before joining larger river systems.

Bloom pointed out the critical need to intercept waste early to prevent it from spreading, especially during heavy rains. He highlighted the successful partnership between Fresh NGO and the City of Ekurhuleni, which facilitated the installation of the traps. However, he warned about the necessity of regular maintenance to ensure the traps remain effective.

The Deputy Minister urged local residents, schools, businesses, and estate agencies to support the initiative through volunteering, sponsorship, or adopting a litter trap. He also connected the issue of river pollution with broader social issues, such as gender-based violence, referencing a memorial park Snyman is developing and the grim discovery of a murder victim in one of the traps.

Bloom expressed gratitude to Snyman, the Fresh NGO team, volunteers, and local officials for their contributions to the clean-up efforts. He emphasized a gradual approach to addressing river pollution, likening it to eating an elephant "one bite at a time."