ASEZ WAO volunteers clean up Bokmakierie Canal to combat plastic pollution
Volunteers collected about 70 20-litre bags of rubbish, which were taken away with a rubbish truck.
Image: Supplied
Volunteers during the clean-up of the Bokmakirie canal.
Image: Supplied
ASEZ WAO, an international volunteer group affiliated with the World Mission Society Church of God, organised a clean-up of the Bokmakierie canal in Athlone.
Two weeks ago, around 80 participants, including ASEZ WAO members, their families, and friends, took part in an initiative to prevent sewage pollution and protect the marine ecosystem by removing illegally dumped litter along the riverbanks. They collected about 70 bags of rubbish, each holding 20 litres.
Lesedi Mokgautsi, a member of ASEZ WAO, said: “This clean-up raises great awareness of the importance of taking care of our environment. Although it looks like a small event, it will have a significant impact on the community and the people living in this area," she said, adding that she was particularly pleased to see the cleaned riverbank.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, by 2050, the weight of plastic in the oceans is expected to exceed that of fish.
Ms Mokgautsi emphasised the urgency of addressing this issue.
“The world must tackle plastic pollution together now. As young adults, we will join this effort for a brighter future for the global community.”
The church is actively participating in a worldwide clean-up campaign, looking for solutions to end plastic pollution. The forum served as a platform to discuss the problems caused by the indiscriminate production and use of plastic, as well as to share resolutions for addressing the resulting environmental challenges.
Athenkosi Mayekiso, the project manager for ASEZ WAO, said the clean-up at Bokmakierie Canal was a resounding success.
He praised the church's youth for their ongoing commitment to volunteer activities.
“It makes one proud to see how many of the youth participated in the clean-up, as they will ultimately inherit leadership of the country and its communities," he said, adding that cleaning up is one of their regular activities.
ASEZ WAO is a global volunteer group made up of young professionals from over 7,500 churches in 175 countries. The organisation aims to unite people with the heart of Mother and take necessary actions to promote sustainable practices and make a positive impact on the environment.