National water week kicked off with a burst of enthusiasm as Metsi-A-Lekoa, Rand Water, Sedibeng District Municipality and Department of Water Affairs embarked on a community education drive. Under the theme: “Water is life, Conserve it, Respect It and Enjoy It!” was hosted at Rustervaal Soccer Pitch on the 9th March 2012.

Gracing the occasion was the Acting Executive Mayor, Clr Shaka Radebe, Sedibeng District Municipality: Member Mayoral Committee, Clr. Simon Maphalla, Enviroment: Member Mayoral Committee Clr. Yusuf, Emfuleni's Infrastructure, Water, Sanitation and Electricity:  Member Mayoral Committee Clr. Nomvula Thulo, Ward Clr. Lots,  and public representative Clr Amina. The primary aim of this campaign is to raise awareness among South Africans about the role of water in social and economic development including the need to get citizens to change their attitudes towards water use.

The campaign emphasizes water conservation as one of the major interventions that South Africans need to appreciate if we are to guarantee water security and availability for the country. It also highlights the centrality of water as a resource in the well being of both the environment and people.

Speaking at the event, the acting Executive Mayor, Clr Shaka Radebe urged all Emfuleni residents to join the department in celebrating National Water Week by making a positive contribution towards efforts to conserve and protect the country's water resources. The country's  already scarce water resources is further threatened by high levels of pollution in dams and rivers, water wastage that occurs in our homes as a result of leaking taps and pipes and a lack of commitment to conserve water by industries and agricultural sector.

All speakers and guests were appealing to residents to join millions of South Africans in taking practical steps to conserve and protect water resources. This means that every resident is encouraged to use at least one of the water tips introduced by the department of water affairs.

During this event, a series of key activities were carried out to demonstrate the commitment of the stakeholders in conserving and protecting water. School children from the neighbouring areas were treated to nice activities which were also educational in nature.

By Stanley Gaba