Installing culture of cleanliness amongst residents
“CLEANLINESS is not a once-off thing, it is a habit that happens everyday and eventually becomes a norm to human beings,” these are the words uttered by the Msunduzi Mayor, Cllr Mzimkhulu Thebolla.
He said this during the campaign to clean the city which was on top of the agenda of the former Mayor, Cllr Themba Njilo.
This time Mayor Thebolla was launching this year’s programme at the Mbali Rank.
The Mayor said: “We have taken a decision that every second Wednesday in a month we conduct operation “no litter day in the streets of Msunduzi”. We as the leadership, we must physically take part in this operation and also assist those employed to clean the streets.”
He said they are educating residents that cleaning residential areas is not the duty of the municipality alone but that of everyone.
“We have deployed 20 officials from the Environmental Health Unit who will focus on educating street vendors, pedestrians and also visit business premises. I appeal for cooperation with all residents so that we can turn our City into a remarkable and dignified place,” said Mayor Thebolla.
Speaker Cllr Eunice KaMajola Zondi applauded Mayor’s initiative to take politicians with him on this programme to clean the city.
“It is pleasing that there are still people who are prepared to take part in the cleaning of the city. Last time we were joined by the Save leadership, today it is the Capital City Marathon which demonstrates that local structures have the same goal as our municipality.”
She said that it was unacceptable that they received complaints from the community about a dirty City but no one made an effort to correct that.
“I always say that as I am complaining, I must also do something to fix the problem because some of the complainants are the same people who make the City untidy. We appreciate it when people volunteer to take part,” said KaMajola.
She added that as the programme continues, there were changes that would have to be done.
“We notice that some councillors are not taking part, it is therefore important to encourage them to participate. Former Mayor Njilo was largely working with the volunteers and now we see the need to engage businesspeople and the community at large for this campaign to be a success.”
KaMajola further stated that members of the Legislature were willing to take part in this programme.
“I wish this enthusiasm does not vanish and that it plays a remarkable role in painting a good picture of our city. A provincial government intervention will have a huge impact.”
Former Mayor Njilo said he was excited to see this programme growing.
“When I started this programme in 2016, it did not receive much support. I am happy that Mayor Thebolla is able to attract structures that I was longing to work with. I will be part of this campaign under the leadership of Mayor because this is the race (relay) and I have passed the stick onto him and we trust his capabilities,” said former