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Today we are celebrating the eighth annual International Day of Action for Rivers.  This day calls for people all around the world to take action on behalf of the rivers to prevent pollution, to preserve river ecosystems and to ensure good water quality.

Across Swaziland we are seeing an onslaught on the natural environment of our rivers.  Corporate polluters are pumping waste water, often polluted with toxic chemicals, into rivers throughout the Kingdom.  Paper mills, textile factories, mining operations, dumpsites are but some of the worst offenders in terms of Swazi river pollution.  And those rivers which are lucky enough not to be contaminated by industry are frequently dammed or are having their water extracted at unsustainable levels for irrigation or power generation.  All of these impacts have a huge impact on river biodiversity, and upon the Swazi people who rely on river water on a daily basis.

The Polluted Mzimnene River
The plight of the Mzimnene River was first brought to Yonge Nawe’s attention in September 2004 during a meeting with the Nhlambeni community.  The Mzimnene is the water source for thousands of people living in the Manzini region who use the river not just for drinking, but also for cooking, washing, irrigation and watering livestock.  As part of our investigation into the Mzimnene, Yonge Nawe conducted water quality testing along the river.  Samples taken from the river indicated that the levels of compounds and micro-organisms often far exceeded the levels proposed by draft Swaziland Environmental Authority in the Water Pollution Control Regulations, 1999. 

We tested for the presence of faecal coliforms which are bacteria in water from human and animal waste, for example from municipal sewage, contaminated storm drains and latrines. In the Mzimnene, levels of 93,000/100 ml were tested at the Mzimnene bridge by Manzini by-pass road: compared to a maximum level of 10/100 ml proposed in the regulations!  Water contaminated with high counts of faecal coliforms contains microorganisms which causes diarrhoea and other water borne diseases, these kill 1.8 million people globally each year, most of whom are children in developing countries. 

Our water quality testing also sampled Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD).  High COD values are mainly caused by organic matter in the water and inadequately treated sewage.  High COD levels will kill vegetation and water life in rivers.  During our testing COD levels of 110.67 (ppm) were found at the Zakhele testing point, nearly twice the maximum level.

Turbidity levels in the water were also measured.  Turbidity is a measure of water clarity and how this decreases the passage of light through water. Measurements of 24.5 (ntu) were recorded in the Mzimnene, well over the 5 (ntu) proposed in the draft Water pollution control regulations.  Turbidity can be caused by domestic and industrial waste water discharge, soil erosion connected with agricultural practices, or urban, rural or landfill runoff. Higher turbidity increases water temperatures because suspended particles absorb more heat and reduce the amount of light penetrating the water, which in turn reduces photosynthesis that is much needed by marine life.  Such suspended materials can also clog fish gills. 

In summary, the world's rivers have never been under more pressure from pollution than they are today.  International Day of Action for Rivers aims to raise public and business awareness of the impacts and causes of river degradation.  Everyone has a role in taking care of the rivers.  Yonge Nawe is calling for corporates, the general public and decision makers to take responsibility for the condition of our rivers.  We are eager to get more information about the state of rivers in Swaziland, please get in touch at the address below if you have any comment or questions about rivers in your area.

Watch this column for more articles on environment and sustainable development in Swaziland.

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