Our responsibility to remove litter

We are approaching the end of winter and as the dryness sets in it reveals a secret of sinister proportions.
If we are to look under the fallen leaves and the ground laid barren from lack of rainfall, the myriad of colours reveal themselves. This is not from the vegetation that has fallen but the collection of litter which becomes apparent.
Each vacant stand, the sidewalks, roadway edges and country side produce their hidden bounty of litter. It can be plastic bags, dairy containers, sweet wrappers, cans, bottles, cigarette butts and many other forms of waste. Try to find an area devoid of this scourge?
The M4, Ballito and other city and town streets produce this in vast quantities. I ask the question – are schools and community centres educating our population about the choking effect of disregarded waste? There is no magic cleaner to pick up the litter. Certainly our present day municipalities will not clean up behind us. It is our responsibility to keep our country clean. I have seen many items of litter discarded from vehicles and in particular our taxis.
The M4 where the demonstrations from the informal settlements took place is to be mentioned. The litter lying next to the road is appalling. Will this be cleaned – I think not!
I would like to thank the Courier for their placards asking that our cities and country be kept clean.

DARYL KIMBER
Ballito