Ward 66 has elected a new committee member, Zandile Lisa, who will be handling the environmental portfolio.
Lisa, a Bez Valley resident, is passionate about the communitie’s well-being.
“It is a constitutional right to live in a clean and safe environment. It’s also our responsibility to create and maintain our environment for health and economic purposes. I plan to lead the transformation of the environment in Ward 66 with the help of community members and business owners,” said Lisa.
She said she is worried about the environmental issue in the ward and believes something needs to be done.
“I want our ward to be safe for our children and the community. We need to provide safe spaces to become attractive to investors,” said Lisa.
She said Bertrams has a major health risk because of soil contamination.
“The soil contamination in the area is caused by many factors, including industrial dumping and local waste disposal. I hope to find a solution on how the problem can be resolved,” said Lisa.
She said she will start addressing minor problems like street bins and illegal dumping.
“I strongly believe that providing waste containers is our only solution. I have already forwarded ideas to our ward councillor and requested him to get us containers,” said Lisa.
She said she would love to see the residents in Ward 66 practising the culture of sweeping in front of their houses like Soweto residents do every morning.
“The culture of sweeping in front of your residence every morning, including pavements, makes a difference. I would urge residents to start practising that culture. Businesses can do the same.”
On August 22, she invited the community for a clean-up between Albertina Sisulu Road, 9th Avenue and at the corner of 5th Street in Bez Valley.
“I thank all the residents and businesses who supported the clean up, not forgetting those who took initiative to clean the park on Albertina Sisulu,” said Lisa.
She said this clean up was one of many to come and hopes the community will come together to create a clean Ward 66.
“I challenge every resident of Ward 66 to clean where they are and refrain from littering.”
