STORMWATER DRAIN STENCILLING PROJECT TO BE LAUNCHED BY THE OVERBERG DISTRICT

Media Statement

STORMWATER DRAIN STENCILLING PROJECT TO BE LAUNCHED BY THE OVERBERG DISTRICT

Litter that enters watercourses remains an ongoing and increasing concern not only locally but globally as well, in the absence of a changed public mind set and disposing of litter and waste in a responsible manner. It is therefore that the Overberg District Municipality together with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (Local Government Support) as well as participating local municipalities in the District will be implementing an initiative which is aimed at raising public awareness on reducing stormwater pollution of our water resources. The roll-out of the stormwater drain stencilling project also coincides with the theme of World Environment Day (2022) which is “Only One Earth”, highlighting the need to create transformative changes in our policies and choices to live sustainably in harmony with nature

The Stormwater drain stencilling project will entail marking selected storm drain inlets with painted messages aimed at deterring the public to dump pollutants and litter alongside or into stormwater drains. The stencilled messages will be simple phrases reminding the public that the storm drains connect to local waterbodies and that dumping will pollutes watercourses. Every single piece of litter that is carelessly discarded and thrown away will ultimately find its way into our river and marine systems. This in turns contradicts the common public assumption and misperception that storm drains discharge to Wastewater Treatment Plants and that any litter that enters our stormwater drain systems are removed at some point by someone.

The public is appealed to take ownership of adopting waste management practices that will ensure a clean and healthy environment for all and to lead by example. Should you wish to in any manner form part of or contribute to the Stormwater Drain Stencilling Project please contact either Mr. Theodore Martin (ODM) , email tmartin@odm.org.za or Mrs. Shandré Laven (DFFE) on 028 425 1157