By Nthambeleni Gabara
Johannesburg - A clean-up campaign is underway along the Jukskei River in Alexandra, as part of the city's ongoing efforts to care and protect its wetlands.
The clean-up campaign, forms part of activities planned for World Wetlands Day, which is annually celebrated in February on different days.
When BuaNews arrived at the wetland on Tuesday, a group of employees from the City's environmental department and learners from the Alexandra Skeem Primary School were busy removing waste materials.
The Jukskei River, which is one of the largest rivers in Johannesburg, is mostly shallow and often polluted. The banks are also prone to bursting, especially in summer when rainfalls are heavy.
Speaking to BuaNews on Tuesday, the City's Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC), Councillor Prema Naidoo said the campaign was an opportunity to inform and remind people how the wetlands benefit the surroundings.
He said one of the important functions of a wetland was to trap dirt and sand.
"This makes the water cleaner and healthier as well as stopping soil erosion," he said, adding that recently, the area experienced flooding.
