ON Friday, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment launched the Working for the Coast Programme (WftC) at Blue Lagoon.
This is a national initiative that will benefit the eThekwini shoreline through the employment of more than 1000 contract workers, who will ensure cleanliness along the coast.

Addressing the leadership of eThekwini Municipality as well as the workers, Narend Singh, the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, said the city was one of the country’s treasures and a source of livelihood.

“Protecting the coastline is not only the government’s responsibility, it’s a job we all share. The WftC is our way of honouring that responsibility. For many years, it has been the hands and feet caring for our shores, cleaning beaches, restoring dunes, maintaining public spaces, and keeping estuaries healthy. At the same time, it has created much-needed work opportunities for local communities.

“In eThekwini alone, 1274 participants are already at work, from Amanzimtoti to Umgababa, and from the Bluff right up to Umhlanga. The main objectives of the programme are job creation, environmental management practice and strengthening support for SMMEs,” Singh added.

The project activities are not only limited to litter picking, sweeping, cleaning, clearing of gutters and walkways along the coastal areas. It extends its work to ensure the issue of dysfunctional pump stations, etc, are addressed, thus ensuring that communities and tourists can enjoy the beaches.

The Department provides wages, UIF and protective clothing, while the eThekwini Metro handles recruitment, tools, and daily management.

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