05 Aug 2024

Organisers and participants who took part in the Shashe River Marathon adventure race have been commended for raising awareness on the importance of conservation of natural resources.

Officiating at the marathon awards ceremony in Mathangwane on Saturday, Member of Parliament for Shashe West Fidelis Molao appealed to the communities to desist from throwing rubbles and any other waste into rivers as it destroyed their ecosystem.

Molao also the Minister of Agriculture noted that for Shashe Dam to have inflow, rivers feeding into it had to be in good state to hold water that would ultimately flow into the dam. 

He said along its river bank from Sebina up to Ditladi in North East there were hundreds of horticulture farmers as well as livestock farmers who have established water holes for the animals.

MP Molao, thus said excessive sand harvesting for industrial activities had destroyed the river basin saying it was important to note how it helped to preserve underground water for a longer period.

He highlighted that programmes such as Thuo Letlotlo and Temo Letlotlo had requirements which stipulated that one needed to have reliable source of water and that applicants were allowed to cite water holes made in rivers as their water source. To preserve rivers, he said, this called for rehabilitation exercise where industrial activity had been taking place. He, therefore The vision bearer of ‘Save our River’ initiative Gaabadzo Moseki said the aim was to raise awareness on the importance of river conservation, supporting its ecosystem and ensuring the sustainability of communities in its surrounding.

Over 100 people took part in the inaugural race which was divided into three categories of 5, 10 and 21 kilometres. The 48-year-old Bashi Shadreck won the 21 kilometres category while 18-year-old Leatso Banga and Boineelo Setumbo won the 10 and 5 kilometres race respectively. The winners were awarded gold medals, trophy and massage vouchers. ENDS