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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg is deeply disappointed following the outcome of a motion tabled in council on the 29th of August 2024.
The main goal of the motion was for a feasibility study to access the viability of adding another litter catchment mechanism in the Jukskei River at the Jukskei Bridge on Main Road, Intersection M71- leveraging off a similar mechanism in Bruma, while noting any additional issues and improvements that could be incorporated.
Only the DA and the Freedom Front Plus voted for this motion, all other political parties seemingly thought this a bad idea. This was meant to expose the massive amount of litter that is deposited daily on the banks of the Jukskei River where litter ends up on trees and across parks especially during floods.
The litter trap is critical for the environmental health of the river area whilst creating an opportunity for some much-needed environmental conservation in the area.
As per the motion, it’s just a feasibility study and not a solution which recommended some education and awareness which the city of Joburg urgently needs to diminish the practice of littering.
The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Environmental and Infrastructure Department Cllr Jack Sekwaila said in his statement “we are doing it in Alex and there are even ‘fishes’ and birds now in Alex”.
The Jukskei River flows all the way from Bruma collecting litter and other material all the way into the Midrand and Fourways suburbs. Essentially crossing the entire city.
The litter mechanism would have provided an invaluable tool to stop the deluge of litter flowing further down the river.
Most rivers in the City of Joburg are in a desperate state with E.coli levels at a record high, which makes it dangerous for humans and animals alike to venture into the rivers.
Once again it will be up to the community to clean the riverbanks at their own cost as the ANC/EFF/ActionSA/PA Coalition leaves them to fend for themselves.