More than 14 tonnes of rubbish have been cleared from the Soet River in the Helderberg in a major community-driven effort to tackle pollution and restore the waterway.

The clean-up formed part of an environmental restoration and awareness project supported by grant funding from the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate.

Over the last 15 months, local non-governmental organisation (NGO), Making a Change, carried out mechanical and manual clean-ups, removed and sorted waste and rehabilitated a blocked culvert to improve water flow.

The project brought together around 80 volunteers across three clean-up initiatives, while local residents were also encouraged to take part in environmental discussions and awareness activities.

The organisation also produced documentary-style videos highlighting river pollution and the importance of responsible litter disposal.

City Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation Zahid Badroodien says the initiative shows what can be achieved when communities and organisations work together.

“These partnerships complement the City’s work and help build greater awareness of the importance of keeping our waterways clean and protecting them for future generations.”

Dean van Schalkwyk from Making a Change says the project has a personal significance for the team.

“For us, the Soet River project is deeply personal. Many of us have driven past it for years and watched the pollution build up, so being able to take part in restoring it meant much more than simply completing a project.”