Hlanzekile Rivers & Ocean Cleaning

Littering: Irresponsible waste disposal by residents and businesses along the riverbank is a major contributor. Plastic bags, bottles, and other packaging materials end up directly in the watercourse

Stormwater Runoff: Heavy rains wash away plastic debris from streets, parks, and other urban areas, channelling it into the river. This can include improperly disposed waste or microplastics already present in the environment.

Upstream Influences: The presence of the recycling village near the William Nicol Bridge adds another layer of complexity. While these individuals provide a valuable service by sorting and processing recyclables, some non-recyclable materials inevitably end up getting discarded near the river.

Limited Resources: The extremely poor living conditions and lack of proper waste management infrastructure in the recycling village can contribute to the problem. Discarded non-recyclables may not be adequately contained, leading to them being washed into the river during heavy rains or floods.

Dumping: Informal settlements springing up along the riverbanks have led to an increase in illegal dumping, choking the river with waste.

Sewage Overflow: Blocked and poorly maintained sewage systems cause raw sewage to run off directly into the river, posing serious health and environmental risks.

Industrial Waste: Industrial facilities irresponsibly dispose of materials and toxic liquids on the riverbanks, contaminating the water.

Mine Drainage: Acidic liquids and waste from nearby mines are channelled directly into the Klipriver, adding a dangerous layer of toxic pollution.