Publications
Partners
Following a workshop last week, focused on water services authorities and their impact on the Vaal River, Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu announced the need for a national register of polluters to combat environmental and water source pollution across the nation and hold individuals and entities accountable for environmental transgressions.
The gathering produced critical resolutions, with Mchunu emphasising the ministry's stance on addressing this pressing issue.
Mchunu stated:
"We intend to list those in positions of authority, such as mayors and CEOs of companies, in this register to ensure they are answerable for any neglect," added Mchunu.
Additionally, the workshop resolved to form a sectoral forum comprising experienced professionals.
READ: Water crisis could make power problems look like child's play
This forum's primary objective is to tackle the current state of the Vaal River system comprehensively and devise practical strategies for its restoration.
Mchunu stressed the importance of collaborative efforts across all levels of government to combat water source pollution and environmental degradation effectively.
Key aspects of the resolutions include:
- Prevention: Implementing measures to prevent the introduction and spread of alien invasive species, including public awareness campaigns and enforcement of regulations on invasive species' importation and sale.
- Early detection and rapid response: Developing monitoring programmes for early detection of invasive species and implementing rapid response measures to control their spread, employing manual or chemical methods.
- Restoration: Rehabilitating areas affected by invasive species through native vegetation and ecosystem restoration, aiming to restore the river's ecological balance and overall health.
- Collaboration: Working collaboratively with stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs and local communities, to address invasive species issues effectively through sharing resources and expertise.
- Research and innovation: Supporting research and innovation in invasive species management to develop new and improved control methods and habitat restoration techniques.
READ: Deformed fish in the Vaal still baffle government scientists
Dr Gugulethu Moyo, chief state veterinarian at the Gauteng department of agriculture and rural development, speaking to City Press, provided insights into ongoing efforts to understand fish deformities in Gauteng water systems, saying that an update on this matter is expected within the next two weeks.
