The 4 000 newly appointed members of the Clean City Brigade reported for their first day on duty, to tackle dirt on Ekurhuleni’s streets, last Monday.
Member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for environmental resources management, Clr Ndosi Shongwe, handed out their personal protective equipment – comprising a two-piece work suit, working boots, face masks and brooms – to kickstart the eight-month-long cleaning programme.
The municipality has set aside more than R1-million for the seamless execution of the project.
The money will cover costs such as uniforms, cleaning equipment and the brigade’s stipends, which begin at a minimum of R2 000 for general workers.
“The municipality is serious about keeping the city clean and green, and the only way to achieve that is through involving the members of the community in their own wards,” said Shongwe.
“In that way we also create employment opportunities and instil the idea of caring for the environment at the same time.”
The registered clean city workers were selected from each ward and 35 people were appointed per ward, with the assistance of the ward councillors.
An enthusiastic 39-year-old Happy Nkosi, a mother of three residing in Etwatwa, said: “I love cleanliness, therefore, when I heard of this programme, I immediately wanted to be a part of it.
“Not only for the employment opportunity it brings, but also for the purpose of contributing to keeping our city clean and hygienic.”
Shongwe sternly warned the brigades against loitering during working hours, mentioning that project managers will soon be appointed to monitor the workers in each ward.
She also said that she would pay surprise visits to the wards to check on the progress of the work being done.
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