The ward councillor of Ward 85 recently announced that funds have been made available to launch a canal clean-up campaign in her ward.
Councillor Chantal Cerfontein confirms that as the ward councillor for Ward 85 she has made funds available from the ward allocations to employ 100 Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) labourers sourced from the sub-council database from areas that include Asanda village, Nomzamo and Rusthof.
Cerfontein says that the teams are split into sections from the top of Asanda village through Nomzamo and this will include all of the informal areas down towards Onverwacht and these teams will also be working all the way through to Boundary road up to Morkel cottage.
“Our canals are there for a reason – to assist with the flow of water through our neighbourhoods. The Helderberg is one big wetland and water needs to be directed for free flow to the oceans to prevent flooding and it will also hopefully prevent drownings,” says Cerfontein.
She explains that illegal dumping of waste, rubble and building materials causes major blockages in our drains.
“The illegal dumping however flows down to the oceans and it affects our wildlife and causes a health risk.”
Cerfontein says that the law enforcement officials will also be stepping up enforcement against illegal dumping and issuing fines for littering.
“A toll-free hotline has been created for residents to report tip-offs about illegal dumping and littering. A 24-hour toll-free hotline (0800 110077) has also been created for residents to report tip-offs about illegal dumping activity and other by-law infringements. Potential rewards are available from R1 000 up to R5 000 in the case of an arrest or conviction.”
She motivates residents to get involved in cleaning up the local parks, public spaces, beaches, rivers, and roads.
“We cannot allow illegal dumping in our neighbourhoods so let’s join hands and keep our areas clean.”
