Initiatives partner up to clean up the Jukskei River in Johannesburg.
(The Post News)- The township of Alexandra, Johannesburg, is one of the most densely populated areas, and having to battle environmental challenges caused by rapid urbanisation and inadequate waste management. The Juksei River, running through the township has been a focal view due to high pollution levels, and increased threats of flooding. Having overcrowded conditions, poor infrastructure, this has made the township of Alexandra vulnerable to climate-related risks.
Amanda Gcanga, Nikara Mahadeo, Mulalo Mbedzi and Eden Takele, writing fir the World Resources Institute have looked into the Scaling Urban Nature-based Solutions for Climate Adaption in sub-Saharan Africa (SUNCASA) initiative, working to restore the river and its surroundings.
The project being funded by the Global Affairs Canada and being led by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) has been focused on the reduction of floods through the reintroduction of green spaces and rehabilitating riverbanks.
Local organisations like the Alexandra Water Warriors being involved in the initiative has proven to be vital.
Co-founder of the Water Warriors, Semadi Manganye said the situation called for urgent, collective action to restore the environment and protect the community from the escalating dangers. His group has been instrumental in the mobilization of the community, which has advocated for better waste management and has worked alongside SUNCASA’s implementing partners to clean up the river.
The key aspects of the initiative is its focus on social equity, more specifically for women and marginalised groups who are most affected by climate shocks. With gender-responsive planning and local capacity-building, SUNCASA is aiming to ensure the groups are central to the processes of decision-making.
GenderCC are partner organisations, working to strengthen the participation of communities in climate governance as it is crucial for achieving sustainable outcomes.
The efforts of SUNCASA in Alexandra are just the beginning of a broader multi-year initiative, including cities in Ethiopia and Rwanda. By integrating nature-based solutions into urban planning, the project is aiming to build more resilient communities across the continent.
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