Mpumalanga tourism agency initiates Panorama clean-up
The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, together with local stakeholders and community members, launched a Tourism Month clean-up campaign along the Panorama Route.
The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) embarked on a clean-up campaign along the Panorama Route and the roads that connect its tourism sites on Friday, September 26.
The MTPA’s acting CEO, Lemmy Mdluli, said the campaign is a Tourism Month initiative: “There is no way we are here today doing this for any other reasons, except for the Tourism Month celebration. We have been doing all the activities for this month and we are excited to be joined by our stakeholders in this project,” he said.
The clean-up took place at Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and God’s Window, with some community members joining in.
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Mdluli said Bourke’s Luck Potholes has a waste structure, which was prioritised during the campaign to store refuse until arrangements can be made with the municipality to remove it. He added that the MTPA does not currently have a waste management truck.
“Part of the issue is that we are looking at the possibility to manage the sites with a focus on the waste management,” he said.
According to Mdluli, during discussions with stakeholders, it was agreed that young people should manage waste at the sites.
“We are planning on recruiting young people to utilise the waste, which will create job opportunities. It will also assist in addressing the environmental issues we are currently faced with,” he said.
Mdluli mentioned that, as the province concludes Tourism Month, the MTPA would ensure these sites are maintained diligently going forward.
“We reiterate the position that Mpumalanga is ready to receive local and international tourists. Those who have visited the province have experienced the beauty of the province. We are going to maintain and make sure that these places remain clean and conducing for them,” he added.
The campaign was joined by officials of the Thaba Chweu Local Municipality, the South African Forestry Company SOC Limited and the Hazyview Chamber of Commerce. The Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs was also represented, along with local businesses.
