Art and Litter Traps Transform Jukskei River, Fighting Pollution and Flooding
The Jukskei River, a significant air and environment in Johannesburg, has long struggled with severe flooding and pollution. Now, an innovative project led by artist and environmental scientist Hannelie Coetzee is fighting back, with the support of local communities and authorities. The Jukskei River, a symbol of Johannesburg's environmental and social challenges, has been the focus of the Art and Litter Trap Project. The initiative, backed by the IPBES 2024 Assessment's call for 'transformative change,' aims to halt ecological degradation. The project has installed five dynamic litter traps, each a hand-woven, vandal-resistant net capable of removing up to 150 kilograms of debris daily. These traps, collectively maintained by the Alexandra Water Warriors, have significantly reduced pollution and flood risk. The traps, designed as art sculptures, tell stories inspired by Alexandra's nature and wildlife. They serve as community hubs and educational tools, fostering a 'connective aesthetic' where art, ecology, and public life intersect for collective benefit. The project was developed and implemented by a team of environmental artists and engineers, supported by local environmental organizations and municipal governments. The Jukskei River, one of the biggest waterways in Johannesburg, now has a fighting chance against pollution and flooding, thanks to the Art and Litter Trap Project. The initiative, which has removed up to 750 kilograms of waste daily, has not only reduced environmental risks but also brought communities together through art and education.
