Sunninghill residents rally to keep their streets litter-free

Sunninghill residents are rallying together in a determined effort to keep their suburb clean and beautiful.
Over recent months, the community has launched the Litter-Free initiative, focusing on increased waste management, community involvement, and environmental pride.

In 2022, the Sunninghill Ratepayers Association, through Suncomm, took a significant step by purchasing and installing litter bins throughout the neighbourhood. Recently, they received 20 additional bins, which are now being strategically placed in areas identified as problematic hotspots. These new bins bring the total to more than 100, actively serving the community.

Linda Gildenhuys, the chairperson of the association, emphasised that maintaining a clean suburb required more than just installing bins. “For years, our gardeners and casual workers have been walking around picking up litter twice a week,” she said. “But we realised we were fighting a losing battle, especially with the influx of Uber vehicles, illegal parking, hawkers, and motorists discarding rubbish out of their windows.”

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To address this, the community has outsourced the emptying of the bins, which are emptied twice weekly by an elderly gentleman who receives financial assistance, ensuring the bins are maintained efficiently. Simultaneously, the garden staff, Paul Mtika and Sabelo Mahlangu, continue weekly litter patrols in areas lacking sufficient bins, often collecting up to 60 bags of rubbish each week.

Despite these efforts, the problem persists. “We are battling a wave of litter that seems relentless. Council bins are often overflowing because they aren’t emptied promptly, and some residents and visitors discard garbage carelessly.”

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Gildenhuys said they refuse to give up. “This is our home, and we love it. The new bins are a step forward, but they’re not enough. We need stricter enforcement of littering fines and greater community participation.”

The community’s ongoing campaign underscores the importance of collective action and civic responsibility. Residents are encouraged to contribute, report littering incidents, and take pride in their surroundings.

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