Community collaboration to combat waste
- In response to the previous reports of domestic and construction waste being indiscriminately dumped along the contours of Simola, the community has rallied together to address the issue and find effective solutions to preserve the natural environment. This collaborative effort brought together the local cycling community, local authorities, and concerned citizens working together to clear dumpsites, engage with municipal officials, and implement measures to prevent future dumping.
A pivotal aspect of the waste cleanup initiative is the partnership forged between the cyclists and the local forestry company, MTO. Cyclists have taken it upon themselves to identify dumpsites and report them through a dedicated WhatsApp group. MTO, in turn, has demonstrated its commitment by systematically clearing these dumpsites with its service team. This ongoing process has not only addressed existing waste problems but also created a platform for collaboration between community members and MTO.
Dr Joan Louwrens, a concerned resident of Simola, and her staff have taken the initiative to clear the first four dumpsites, in coordination with MTO. Recognising the need to expedite the clean-up process, the community has agreed to assist MTO in clearing the backlog of dumpsites. Garbage collected from these sites is placed next to the road, with MTO promptly collecting it to prevent further littering and unauthorised waste handling. This joint effort is aimed at not only removing waste but also raising awareness about the consequences of dumping and the importance of responsible waste disposal.
The next step in the community's mission to combat waste dumping involves engaging with Knysna Municipality. A meeting was conducted between the relevant parties to discuss collaborative efforts with responsible individuals at the municipality.
The objective is to extend the clean-up beyond the areas under MTO concessions and target additional dumpsites in the vicinity.
The community aims to enhance waste management practices and devise long-term solutions to reduce future dumping incidents through establishing a working relationship with local authorities.