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In preparation for World Water Day 2025, the Joe Gqabi District Municipality hosted a Water Services Educational Tour for Grade 10 and 11 learners from Egqili High School. The tour took students through the region’s water system — from the Orange River source to the Maletswai Water Treatment Plant.
Officials from the Disaster, Fire, Water Service Authority, and Health Services departments guided the learners, explaining how water is treated, distributed, and conserved across local communities.
The initiative formed part of the municipality’s broader campaign to raise awareness about water conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable infrastructure management.
Official Response
Municipal officials emphasized that the goal of the tour was to inspire youth leadership in environmental protection and responsible water use.
“We want our young people to understand that every drop counts. They are the next generation of water custodians,” said a municipal spokesperson.
The officials also addressed the growing challenge of vandalism of water infrastructure, calling on communities to safeguard public assets vital for daily life and economic development.
“Protecting our water systems is everyone’s responsibility. Education is key to changing behaviour and ensuring sustainability,” the spokesperson added.
Community Impact
Learners described the tour as eye-opening, saying it gave them a new appreciation for how much effort goes into delivering clean water to homes and schools. Many expressed interest in pursuing careers in water management, environmental science, and engineering.
The municipality said more educational visits are planned for other schools as part of its ongoing #WorldWaterDay2025 campaign, aimed at building community awareness around climate adaptation, glacier preservation, and sustainable water practices.
