By Busi Vilakazi
Local ward councillors applauded Kensington residents for several initiatives to keep the area clean following last week’s launch of City of Joburg’s clean-up campaign.
Yeoville was host to the launch of the A Re Sebetseng clean-up campaign by Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba.
A Re Sebetseng, meaning “let us work”, is a ward-based cleaning initiative that will be held on the last Saturday of every month.
“This monthly clean-up campaign will get the community on board in achieving a cleaner city.
“If we can get the residents to be involved in keeping their neighbourhoods clean, it will give them a sense of pride. And a clean city is a safe city,” said Mashaba.
He said the project will enhance the city’s R50-million investment in Pikitup for a third cleaning shift within the city.
This is expected to grow to R82-m in the medium term.
The city will have its first city-wide clean up on September 30.
Mashaba said, “The wide up clean-up will be supported by councillors and ward committees as well as businesses across the city. This is why we have different stakeholders involved, from religious institutions, sporting personalities, civil society, community groups and political organisations, because we want everyone to be involved and become responsible for fighting grime.
“Plastic bags and gloves will be distributed at walk-in centres, clinics, libraries as well as participating businesses. Bags will then be collected on the same day. As part of the A Re Sebetseng campaign, Pikitup will also start a programme of engaging with schools to get the learners involved in preserving the environment for their future,” said Mashaba.
“We are looking forward to seeing residents come out in numbers, taking ownership of their city and supporting this campaign to clean our environment.”
Mashaba said the level of filth is alarming as it is also a health hazard and it’s time for residents to take responsibility and work together with the city.
Ward 118 councillor Neuren Pietersen also attended he launch.
He said he is happy and welcomes the A Re Sebetseng initiative.
“Joburg residents have for too long seen their neighbourhoods being choked by litter and rubbish strewn around the streets, pavements and parks.
“This clean-up campaign will show the residents that their municipality cares about our neighbourhoods and that the residents too can regain a sense of pride in their neighbourhood. Rubbish and litter has the unfortunate quality of attracting more rubbish and it is so important to try and keep an area clear of the smallest paper wrappers,” said Pietersen.
He said residents feel that more street bins should be made available, but that it has been shown that street bins attract domestic refuse.
He encouraged residents to apply for wheelie bins for their households.
He applauded Kensington Residents and Ratepayers Association for being way ahead of this initiative as they are active in cleaning up their suburb.
“Well done Clean Village, Friends of Rhodes Park, Rhodes Park walkers and all residents who give of their time to keeping our village clean. We as a society need to become more litter aware and realise that we have the power to live in a clean neighbourhood,”said Pietersen.
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