Local businesses and some residents came together and installed refuse bins on many main roads throughout Hazyview.

The project was led by Ken Robertson, a businessman and a community member, as a way to keep the locals and businesses in the area involved, living and operating in a neat and clean environment.

Robertson pitched the idea to the people, who agreed, and when permission was granted by the City of Mbombela (CoM), the municipality committed to empty the bins.

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“After all processes were adhered to, we approached a company that manufactured the swinging element on the bins. The businesses and residents paid for them from their own pockets. The dustbins are branded with business names as part of marketing for the project,” he said.

Robertson said Hazyview is a popular tourist town, and to keep tourists visiting the area, it needs to be clean and welcoming.

“Although the project is not complete, the town’s businesses are still contributing towards the project for two main reasons; to keep the town clean and to market their companies while doing so. It’s a win-win situation.”

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Eventually, the aim is to have enough bins in all areas of the town that it should dissuade people from littering.

“We ensured that they were placed in key areas where people litter. We have placed them where passengers waiting for taxis and buses can put their litter in the bins instead of just throwing it out onto the paving and in the veld. We are planning to do this across Hazyview and we are calling on more people to join the project,” he said.

Meanwhile, the CoM’s spokesperson, Joseph Ngala, said they are aware of the project and that the private sector is always welcome to work with the municipality to keep towns clean.

Ngala also confirmed that the municipality would service the bins.