DA kicks off drive to keep Tembisa clean

The DA in Tembisa have embarked on a project to mobilise the community to embark on a cleanliness awareness campaign using the #Don’t Jump Over it, Pick it Up. The campaign started on November 9.

The war on littering and illegal dumping is to ensure the residents live in a healthy and clean environment.

To achieve the objective, members of the community have been encouraged to sign a pledge to commit to keep the township clean. The DA recognises it is the duty of the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) to deal with waste, refuse removal and illegal dumping, but believes the war on litter should also involve the residents.

A WhatsApp link will be provided to members of the community to sign the “Keep Tembisa Clean” pledge. The pledge can also be signed manually at any of the DA information tables in wards 9 and 11.

Ekurhuleni DA Clr Lucky Mokhoana said litter and illegal dumping is not only an eyesore, but poses as an environmental hazard.

“The biggest polluter of our environment and waterways is single use plastic which if not properly disposed of, poses an environmental threat. Plastic not only chokes our planet, but is also the biggest cause of stormwater pipe and drainage blockages.

“These result in localised flooding during the rainy season. Littering and improper disposal of solid waste are also a major cause of rodent infestation in our township, which poses a health risk.

“This is going to be an ongoing community driven initiative, and the DA will work with the community to achieve this. In addition to signing the pledge, the residents are encouraged to sign a petition, urging the CoE to deal with the problem of illegal dumping through effective law enforcement.

“We will distribute an awareness e-pamphlets or flyers about the need to keep our communities free of litter, under the slogan, “Don’t Jump Over it, Pick it Up”. Help our cause by forwarding e-flyers or pamphlet and the pledge to your various community WhatsApp groups,” said Mokhoana.

He said for the month of November, their activists and community members will engage on weekend clean-up campaigns at designated hot spots and at various taxi ranks.

“While we appreciate the work done by the City’s Environment and Waste Management Department, we still feel that not enough has been done to educate and sensitise our communities about the benefits of living in a litter-free environment,” said Mokhoana.

Local businesses, the residents and community members willing to get involved in this programme are requested to contact Mokhoana on 0827556923.