Wards 56 and 57 are transformed by a cooperative cleanup effort.
The joint clean-up revamped the wards and educated the residents to adopt a clean-living culture.
The City of Johannesburg’s Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM) Region F, in partnership with Pikitup, staged a clean-up campaign targeting Ward 56 in Rosettenville and Mabel Street and Ward 57 in La Rochelle.
This campaign saw an alliance between the city and community-based organisations, rallying stakeholders and residents to unite with municipal authorities to beautify their neighbourhood.
Accompanied by comprehensive door-to-door public education and awareness initiatives, the clean-up drive serves as a platform for the city to teach residents and businesses about recycling and waste management practices, promoting a shared commitment to sustainable waste management.
The programme drew support from various stakeholders, including the Pomeroy Community Development Centre, Dada Waste Management Cooperation, Yeoville Bellevue Ratepayers and Residents Association, Keep It Clean and Faraday Taxi Association, underlining the significance of collaborative efforts with the city.
It also received backing from MMC for Group Corporate and Shared Services and CRUM Region F, Clr Loyiso Masuku and MMC for Development Planning, Clr Eunice Mgcina, alongside senior officials from the city and Pikitup.
Masuku said: “It is of utmost importance that the community gets involved in maintaining clean spaces. Behavioural change requires collective action; let’s take pride in cleaning our environment.”
Echoing this sentiment, Mgcina emphasised the health risks associated with living in unclean areas and advocated for sustained community-led clean-up efforts.
Navin Bachu from Keep It Clean lauded the collaborative initiative, underscoring the significance of grassroots engagement and the presence of councillors in driving positive change.
Ward Clr Michael Crichton expressed gratitude to participating entities and community members, stressing the importance of raising awareness about the adverse effects of dumping on the environment and infrastructure.
An elderly volunteer from Ward 66 highlighted the importance of mutual support in community clean-up efforts, urging residents to take collective responsibility for maintaining cleanliness in their areas.
The campaign yielded tangible results, with local communities actively participating in waste removal, street sweeping, and illegal dumping spot clearance. This concerted effort is poised to significantly enhance the health, well-being and aesthetics of the surrounding environment, fostering a sense of pride and ownership among residents.
