Kouga Municipality has declared war on waste in a bid to create clean communities for all.
Spearheaded by Kouga’s Community Services Department, the special intervention campaign, War on Waste (WOW), aimed at strengthening the municipality’s capacity to clean the region, will be rolled out over the next 12 months.
Kouga executive mayor, Horatio Hendricks, said that the municipality, in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, has deployed community waste warriors as part of the campaign, so that more muscle and resources could be used to improve the cleanliness of all nine towns and, ultimately, eradicate illegal dumping and littering while rehabilitating dumping sites.
“Illegal dumping had become an increasing concern,” said Hendricks.
“The municipality spends approximately R1 million a year to clear the more than 150 illegal dumping sites across the region – money that could have been used for other essential services.”
War on Waste
Launched on Tuesday, June 6, at Sea Vista in St Francis Bay, the key activities of the campaign include door-to-door education and awareness, the establishment of community waste warriors, stakeholder engagement, and the strict enforcement of by-laws.
Clean-A-Thons will be held, calling the community to join the municipality in cleaning initiatives across towns.
“Clean-up days will be used to educate communities on the implications of littering and illegal dumping,” said Hendricks.
“Residents can also play their part by putting recyclable material (paper, plastic, cans, and bottles) in allocated bins at public spaces, stores and drop off sites as part of the waste minimisation (separation@source) programme.”
According to Hendricks, an Eco Rangers programme will be rolled out at schools, building on educational awareness and recycling education.
A Cleanest Ward competition will also be launched as part of the programme.
“The municipal teams have been doing a commendable job to keep Kouga clean, but a collective effort to ensure that good waste management practices are adhered to, is required to deal with the problem decisively,” he added.
“I thus invite all residents to join the municipality on this campaign, in various parts of our beautiful region, and to do their part to Keep Kouga Clean together.”
Report illegal dumping
Residents can report illegal dumping at the Kouga Call Centre at 042 200 2200 or send a WhatsApp to 081 760 9183. Alternatively, send an email to callcentre@kouga.gov.za.
- It contaminates soil and waterways, and blocks drains, which results in flooding.
- Plastic products pollute rivers, lakes, streams, and oceans.
- Wildlife, birds, and fish are harmed when consuming plastic.
- It is a fire hazard.
- It produces breeding grounds for insects and pests, hot spots for animals that transmit diseases, such as rodents and flies.
- There is loss of pride in the neighbourhood.
The benefits of recycling
- Reduces air and water pollution.
- Conserves resources.
- Saves energy / money.
- There is less waste going to landfills.
- Creates job opportunities.
- Promotes holistic living between people and the environment.
