Mlungisi clean-up campaign
Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality (EMLM), together with various stakeholders, officially launched a Mlungisi clean-up and eradication of illegal dumping programme at the Thobi Kula Indoor Sports centre on Friday.
Community services acting director Jambase Magwentshu said they had taken a ward-based approach and would visit each ward to embark on a clean-up initiative.
He said they had donated wheelie bins to 13 schools in Mlungisi, three each, to encourage recycling and separation of waste at source. These bins comprise two for recyclable and one for non-recyclable waste.
He said the programme was linked with the Lukhanji Multi Recycling Waste Buy Back Centres implemented by the Chris Hani Development Agency (CHDA) and funded by the department of environmental affairs.
“We want pupils to learn more about recycling and know there is value in waste. This will reduce the burden of having to collect several bags of waste from one household. It will help us increase the lifespan of our landfill sites.”
Magwentshu said they had involved ward councillors to educate and engage with community members about illegal dumping and the collection of waste by the municipality.
“We have a challenge with collection vehicles, but they are being repaired. We will try to stick to the agreed and known collection schedule.”
He said four trucks were running, with two out for repairs.
St Theresa’s Primary School principal said, “Without a healthy environment, teaching and learning is affected.
“Today we saw there is a lot we can do with waste. We are committing ourselves and will ensure that our environment is clean. We will consult when or if there are any challenges.”
EMLM chief whip Nombuyiselo Ndlebe, who spoke on behalf of mayor Sisisi Tolashe, placed emphasis on the issue of illegal dumping.
“Sometimes we think there is no water but then we hear that water drains are clogged with waste, dumped by residents. We have pictures of three infants that were recently found in these drains. We are currently drafting municipal bylaws that prohibit illegal dumping. We appeal to community members and the taxi association to work with us in keeping the entire town clean,” Ndlebe said.