Cause Index

Duzi-uMngeni Conservation Trust

The DUCT Story

"Rivers do not lie. If your city does not have a functional waste management system and if too many people do not care what happens to their waste, then far too much of that waste is going to end up in the river. If your city is not spending enough on the construction, operation and management of its sewage systems, then too much sewage is going to end up in the river. If your landowners – public and private – do not make an active effort to stem and defeat the tide of alien vegetation invading their land, then fairly soon the indigenous vegetation will disappear, with all the attendant consequences......"

Follow this link to see DUCT's recent publication.... THE DUCT STORY

Problem Statement

The uMsunduzi and Umgeni River systems have become badly degraded through neglect and over exploitation. With increasing demands on resources, poor governance and external threats such as global climate change these river systems will be increasingly unable to support the range of aquatic, riverine and human life which is dependent on a healthy river system.

Our Vision

DUCT’s vision is an ecologically healthy and biologically diverse uMngeni-uMsunduzi river system that provides sustained ecological goods and services for the communities that depend on them for their survival. We envisage that our communities will show respect for the rivers and will take ownership and responsibility for the condition of the rivers, seeking to preserve their natural function and beauty.

We envisage rivers where water quality and quantity are maintained at acceptable norms with healthy natural riparian zones and where the biological diversity is preserved. We have a vision of a community where all residents possess a basic understanding and appreciation of their river ecosystems. We see government, business, the scientific community and civil society cooperating in providing the resources to effectively manage the river systems.

Our Role

We recognise that the problems with the health of the rivers are large and have not developed overnight. Our vision is ambitious and will only be achieved through progressive, combined and sustained actions by government and civil society. Our role is to:
raise awareness of problems with river health
develop, demonstrate and encourage the adoption of solutions to these problems
support and learn from people and communities who wish to make a difference or are already making a difference to the health of their rivers
actively engage in river health projects, education and capacity building.

We work in partnership with other organisations, whether from civil society or government, who share our vision.

Our Mission

To champion the environmental health of the uMngeni and uMsunduzi Rivers

Our Motto

"Healthy Rivers = Healthy People"

DUCT's Strategic Areas

Duct has eight strategic focus areas. These are:
Minimization of faecal waste in the rivers
Reduction of solid waste in the rivers
Reduction of industrial pollution in the rivers
Control and eradication of invasive alien plant vegetation on the river banks and in the rivers
Improvement of land care and reduction of soil erosion in the catchments
Reduction of water borne diseases in the rivers
Improvement of management of mining operations in the Valley
Implementation of an environmental flow schedule below the major dams, as provided for in the National Water Act of 1998

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