North Coast residents tackle waste issues head-on

North Coast residents are getting their hands dirty to make a dent in the refuse challenges at Shaka’s Head.

Last week 10 pole bins, donated by Litter4Tokens and Mica, were installed by Soil Landscaping employees to curb the build-up of litter in the community, a consistent long-term predicament.

Although the bins represent a positive step, they remain a response to the problem rather than a complete solution says area manager for Litter4Tokens in KwaDukuza, Sue Beningfield.

“We wholeheartedly believe this is an education issue first and foremost. We already have community members who are teaching and promoting proper recycling and refuse disposal practices. This will hopefully pay dividends later on,” she said.

Mthokozisi ‘Bafana’ da Silva is one of the Shaka’s Head residents who is passionate about making a change.

He says aside from education, the limited numbers of black bags dropped off in the community is a contributing problem.

“We are right next to Ballito and all the estates here in Shaka’s Head. That means many people live here with many in each household. Each week only 2 black bags per household are dropped off when the refuse is collected. We have written to the municipality with the hope of seeing this number increased,” he said.

He indicated the lack of skips and collection protocols for bulk waste are additional issues for residents.

“When people get rid of bulk items such as mattresses and furniture, they are unable to take it anywhere. It just ends up being dumped and then not collected,” he said.

To wipe the slate clean so that the community can start afresh, Litter4Tokens, Stephne Ashworth of the KwaDukuza Residents Forum and Shaka’s Head community members are also planning a clean-up in the coming months.

For breaking news follow The North Coast Courier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Join our Telegram Broadcast Service at: https://t.me/joinchat/yJULuN8NaCs5OGM0

Join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service: Simply add 082 792 9405 (North Coast Courier) as a contact to your phone, and WhatsApp your name and surname to the same number to be added.