EFFORTS to enhance sustainable waste management solutions in Nelson Mandela Bay are gaining momentum, with the municipality placing litter bins in strategic areas across Gqeberha and Kariega. This initiative aims to strengthen the Metro’s ongoing waste management and beautification drive.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Health, Councillor Thsonono Buyeye, highlighted the timeliness of this roll-out. The Metro anticipates an increase in outdoor activities by residents and a surge in tourist numbers to the Friendly City during the summer season. Buyeye noted that this project complements the Metro’s existing waste management efforts, which have shown positive outcomes in areas like Korsten, Cape Road, and the Airport area in Gqeberha.
“We are embarking on making sure that our city is clean, not just because we are approaching the summer season but because this is the standard that we want to keep. Bins play a major role in making sure that people do not litter. They must have an option of where to put their litter,” said Buyeye.
He further added, “This is part of our fight against illegal dumping that we continue to see in our city, but we are surely making sure that we win this battle as a city. Cleanliness brings other positive spin-offs for the city as we are starting to see tourists coming into our city. We are going to see more people coming into our city, and we want to make sure that the city is clean, and this is just a start.”
The initiative will prioritise central business districts (CBDs) in both Gqeberha and Kariega, as well as beach-front areas, anticipating significant foot traffic from residents and visitors.
Public Health Executive Director, Sizwe Mvunelwa, called for cooperation from all parties involved. “We just want cooperation from the residents and visitors, for them to work with us so that we can keep our Metro clean. The Municipality will roll out the project in phases in an effort to reach all communities. We don’t want any littering; we are providing the necessary receptacles,” emphasised Mvunelwa.
