Oudtshoorn, 13 March 2024 – Oudtshoorn Municipality, alongside key stakeholders like the Department of Water and Sanitation, Cape Nature, Garden Route District Municipality, Department of Education, and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment (DFFE), successfully conducted a week-long WATER WEEK INITIATIVE from 04 March 2024 until 08 March 2024, aimed at teaching and engaging young people in water conservation practices.
Five Oudtshoorn schools, where in total of 593 learners participated, were part of educational activities and interactive sessions on water conservation and sustainable resource management. The Department of Water and Sanitation gave an exciting talk about saving water and shared helpful materials to make learning even more interesting.
The schools that participated were De Villiers Primary School, Sacred Heart Primary School, Laurus Primary School, Morestêr Secondary School, and Protea Secondary School. A big THANK YOU to our schools and learners! The scholars were so enthusiastic and engaged during the sessions, showing a keen interest in learning about water conservation and its importance for the environment and future generations.
Chris Swart, Acting Director: Technical Services of Oudtshoorn Municipality also explained to the scholars about the municipality’s water catchment areas and wastewater treatment works.
Let us not forget our Community Champions of Ward 7. Ward Committee members and Councillor of Ward 7, Councillor Anel Berry, formed part of the initiative, educating, and creating awareness among scholars. Their presence and support throughout the week not only contributed to the Water Week initiative but also enriched the “Know Your Ward” campaign.
Ambrose Carelse, Environmental Officer of Oudtshoorn Municipality said “The success of the Water Week Initiative would not have been possible without the collective efforts of all involved. The Oudtshoorn Municipality extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participating schools, as well as the dedicated role players and organizations who contributed to making this initiative a resounding success.”
DWS thanked Carelse and the Municipality for this “productive well planned water month activity” and said that they are “grateful for the efforts, planning and the support from everyone who joined.”