EMs WAR ON NAPPIES

By:  Hope Morema

The Mariepskop Community-based Environmental Monitors (EMs), enabled by the National Department of Environmental Affairs, reported massive illegal dumping of nappies and other household waste in the tributaries of the Moloro and Klaserie Rivers.

The EM’s took the initiative and responsibility to collect the nappies in the veld to try and mitigate the pollution in the river as it is a big threat to the environment and the people. Sixty-four (64) plastic refuse bags full of nappies were collected which shows how big this environmental problem is. 

The Kruger to Canyons Biosphere believes in partnership and involving relevant stakeholders because through partnership more can be done and achieved.  The EMs therefore invited other stakeholders to be part of the initiative and this was achieved with community members, Community Work Programme (CWP) and the Acornhoek Municipality coming on board in mitigating pollution. Once the waste had been collected the Municipality arranged for a waste disposal truck to come and collect the refuse bags and dispose of them responsibly at a municipal waste facility. 

The dumping of disposable nappies in the veld and near water courses is a concern in villages throughout the biosphere region. The K2C BR NPC is working with stakeholders and community members to raise awareness around the environmental and health issues associated with this dumping as well as investigating underlying causes and possible solutions to the problem. 

Well done to the EMs for taking the initiative and organising this campaign with relevant stakeholders. It is everyone's right to live in a clean environment and this can be done through dedication, commitment and taking responsibility as a society.