DWS and partners create public education awareness on water conservation, health and hygiene, as well as water safety

The Department of Water and Sanitation in partnership with Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality, Greater Taung Local Municipality, Naledi Local Municipality and Sedibeng Water hosted a public education campaign in a bid to raise awareness on the significance of efficient water use, water safety, as well as health and hygiene from 15-17 February 2022.

The public awareness campaign took place at the Ganyesa Shoprite complex, Taung Mall and Vryburg taxi rank respectively.

During the campaign, members of the public were entertained through music and dance to ensure that they enjoy the three hours activation which included presentation on water conservation, water safety and health and hygiene.

The public was also afforded an opportunity through a question-and-answer session and rewarded with prizes such as buckets, rulers, squeeze bottles and cooler bags.

The campaign served as a platform to empower the public to actively participate in conserving water, take note of water safety tips, and become health and hygiene ambassadors within their respective municipalities and communities.

During his address at Vryburg taxi rank, Speaker of Naledi Local Municipality Cllr Pitso Gulane called on the public to report leaks to the municipality to assist in saving water.

“As a municipality, we have been experiencing water interruptions for a very long time. Water is a precious resource which we cannot live without, so it is important for us all to play a part in saving it”, said Cllr Pitso Gulane.

Through the public education awareness, the DWS also envisaged to raise awareness on the importance of behavioural change needed to effectively manage water resources in the province, especially in areas with inconsistent water supply.

During the campaign, Ms. Remoneilwe Selochoge from DR Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality encouraged members of the public to change their behaviour and actively engage in good hand hygiene practices as part of promoting good health.

Members of the public were encouraged to develop and use a tippy tap for access to hand wash facility and there were demonstrations of good hand washing techniques.

The public was also urged to endorse hand wash practices with clean water and soap often and at critical times (before preparing food and eating, after visiting a toilet, etc.) and to promote the correct use of sanitizer in public spaces.

Ms. Remoneilwe Selochoge also highlighted that washing hands regularly with soap is the most effective and inexpensive way to reduce the spread of diseases, thus everyone has to heed the call of making hand washing a habit.

For more information, contact Sputnik Ratau, Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation on 082 874 2942

Source: Government of South Africa