Duct
School Health in Pietermaritzburg

Duct - uMngeni Conservation Trust dedicated to the environmental health of the uMsunduzi and uMngeni rivers.

DUCT’s vision is an ecologically healthy and biologically diverse uMngeni-uMsunduzi river system that provides sustained ecological goods and services for the communities that depend on them for their survival. We envisage rivers where water quality and quantity are maintained at acceptable norms with healthy natural riparian zones and where the biological diversity is preserved. We have a vision of a community where all residents possess a basic understanding and appreciation of their river ecosystems. We see government, business, the scientific community and civil society cooperating in providing the resources to effectively manage the river systems. We recognise that the problems with the health of the rivers are large and have not developed overnight. Our vision is ambitious and will only be achieved through progressive, combined and sustained actions by government and civil society. Support and learn from people and communities who wish to make a difference or are already making a difference to the health of their rivers. Actively engage in river health projects, education and capacity building. We work in partnership with other organisations, whether from civil society or government, who share our vision. To champion the environmental health of the uMngeni and uMsunduzi Rivers. Control and eradication of invasive alien plant vegetation on the river banks and in the rivers. Improvement of land care and reduction of soil erosion in the catchments. Implementation of an environmental flow schedule below the major dams, as provided for in the National Water Act of Several very practical and effective measures have been proposed by the study. Duct maintains this boom and bags the waste it catches. Lobbying in various forums and media for better management of Pietermaritzburg and Durban’s solid waste. Duct has highlighted the fact that millions of Rands granted by national government for solid waste management in poor areas is not used effectively. These classes educate children on the importance of river care and encourage cleaner and healthier rivers. The establishment of active community monitoring of sewage pollution in the Howick and Mphopomeni communities, and the building of sound relations with the uMgungundlovu District Municipality to improve the management of the sewers under its jurisdiction. A partnership with the KZN Department of Agriculture’s Invasive Alien Clearing programme and the Msunduzi Municipality, which has resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of invasive vegetation in the Pietermaritzburg section of the uMsunduzi (work ongoing). The initiation of a land care programme in the upper uMsunduzi catchment, which has enabled a community team to learn and practice the principles of erosion control. Aerial surveys of mining operations in the uMsunduzi and uMngeni valleys. Assistance to the KNCU in liaison with Umgeni Water and the Department of Water Affairs regarding environmental releases from dams on the uMngeni River. Lobbying for implementation of the ecological reserve flows (as provided for in the Water Act) in the uMngeni River.