Councillors Lucky Mokhoana and Philip Thamahane, along with Democratic Alliance (DA) activists from wards 10, 11 and 90, conducted a cleanliness awareness campaign at Leralla Taxi Rank in Thembisa on March 14.
“The purpose of the activity was to sensitise the community to the need to keep our spaces clean. This was part of the Keep Thembisa Clean Campaign that was launched in November 2019,” said Mokhoana.
“Despite the Department of Environment and Waste Management having made a commitment to be part of the cleaning campaign, they did not pitch on the day,” said Mokhoana.
However, they sent a truck and tractor, which removed overflowing waste from the bins.
“Despite our efforts, the taxi rank remains an eyesore. The DA is urging members of the public, commuters and hawkers operating within the taxi rank to be active citizens and take ownership of the spaces in which they live, work and play,” said Mokhoana.
He explained that while the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has a constitutional mandate to remove waste, the war on litter will only be won with the cooperation of the community.
Mokhoana also urged community members to refrain from littering in the streets, nearby bushes or tossing litter out of moving vehicles.
“We need to change habits if we are to ensure and guarantee clean spaces. At home, school and public buildings, we need to adopt the slogan, ‘Don’t jump over it, pick it up’,” added Mokhoana.
He added that communities should understand the benefits of recycling, as there is money to be made from recycling paper and plastic bottles. Recycling can boost local economic activity, as it is a form of job creation.
“People can also use solid waste such as vegetable peels and grass in their backyards to create compost. This will reduce the amount of solid waste that ends up in our landfills,” said Mokhoana.
He also emphasised that people should refrain from illegal dumping of rubble on their pavements and to only use designated temporary holding areas.
“In addition, we call upon the waste department to ensure consistency where waste collection is concerned. Too often refuse collection in the area is unreliable and erratic. The department should empty bins at least once a week,” he said.
He said the Department of Economic Development needs to expand, promote and support recycling initiatives for residents to realise the value and benefits of recycling.
“The DA in Ekurhuleni will continue advocating for the cleanliness of our spaces, to ensure that they are aesthetically pleasing for the enjoyment of communities,
“This awareness campaign is ongoing and we would like to encourage local businesses to get involved in this cause,” said Mokhoana.
