Youth fights rodent Invasion

Illegal dumping is a regular feature in the Tembisa surroundings and it is one element that exacerbates the problem of rodent infestation and disease.

Many have become complacent about the problem and go on with their lives as if nothing is a health hazard amidst the community.

A young lad refused to stand aside and watch while our standard of living deteriorates day by day.

Johannes Ramothale has devised a plan to eradicate dumping and the infestation of rodents.

He started an organisation called the Ntlafatso Waste Management and Recycling Project.

The project currently has 25 members who have dedicated their lives to ensuring a clean and a healthy environment.

“Within the organisation we have started a programme called Adopt a House. We assign each member to five houses that he or she will look after by collecting and sorting waste generated by the households,” said Mr Ramothale.

He said the Adopt a House programme distributes three refuse bags and home owners are instructed to separate their discarded waste.

“The waste is then collected by our members in the presence of the home owner or a designated family member,” said Mr Ramothale.

He said this is thereafter sorted by putting glass aside, cans, papers and boxes.

This is collected twice a week from the person’s doorstep and it ensures that the yard is well kept without waiting for waste trucks that come once a week.

He said the sorted recyclable waste is then sold to buy-back centres and the revenue is invested back in the waste programme.

Mr Ramothale said this might raise concern to some residents who are property owners with regards to the safety of their houses.

“We have systems in place to ensure that hooligans do not enter a house under the guise of being our members. We won’t create an opportunity for impostors,” said Mr Ramothale.

He said their members are screened to shut out potential criminals from their midst.

“We introduce our members to the homeowners of the house they are assigned to adopt. We then ensure that the waste is collected when there’s an occupant in the adopted house.”

Mr Ramothale said the need for a clean and healthy environment is what inspired the Adopt A House programme.

“This also afforded us employment opportunities for young people. We want to expand and get more young people into the waste management industry.”

The programme is currently operating in ward 7 and Mr Ramothale said they are aiming to spread out to other wards.

He said advantages to residents are a hygienic domestic environment, eradication of rodents and clamping down on illegal dumpers.

Ward 7 councillor Thabang Jiyane encourages residents to be part of the programme and implored them to report illegal dumping.

“I support the programme. I call on all home owners to register their houses and let us all come together in fighting the hazardous illegal dumping. We need to set an example by being the cleanest ward,” Clr Jiyane.

He also called on local business to invest in the initiative by giving undivided support.

For more information on how to register your house call 062 401 3939.