A NEW cleaning campaign was launched by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality on September 26, in an effort to improve the living conditions of residents in the metro.
The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Health, Yolisa Pali, who is in charge of the campaign, initiated a renewed war on waste in the metro by cleaning dumpsites and appointing community co-operatives for assistance.
“We have put plans together by initiating a war on waste, which will create jobs for unemployed residents. We are going to do the same in all the wards in the metro. The mayor said he will assist with the funds for the campaign,” Pali said.
Although the campaign has officially been launched, the lack of funds has put a halt on the campaign moving to surrounding areas.
“We are also completing the processes of the co-operatives, but have to wait for approval and the necessary funds from the municipality before we can go ahead.
“However, we can’t wait for them because the situation is bad in these areas.
“That is why we are starting with this programme. The residents need to live in a healthy environment,” Pali said.
The municipality will educate residents by having regular workshops in the areas where illegal dumping is a major problem.
“We are going to cluster our wards and try to talk to them about the dangers of dumping in all open spaces. People are dumping their rubbish on a playground that we are busy developing,” Pali added.
After the cleaning of dumpsites, open areas will be available for further developing of playgrounds and other facilities.
“Not far from here is a park and a gym facility, which was a dumpsite in the past.
“We are in the process of building facilities once the dumpsites have been cleaned,” said Mthubanzi Mniki, municipal spokesperson.
The appointment of the co-operatives will ensure a safe and clean environment to residents. However, funds will only be made available upon approval from the municipality.
Mniki said, “We are also in the process of appointing the co-operatives as soon as possible to every ward in the metro. Hopefully by the end of October.”
Pali has urged all residents to refrain from illegal dumping as heavy fines will be issued and strict supervision will be implemented at dumpsites across the Nelson Mandela Bay metro.
