The Endumeni Environmental Management Department has launched an ambitious clean-up operation to tackle the ongoing problem of illegal dumping in the town’s central business district (CBD) and surrounding streets.
Starting on January 8, the department began cleaning up Boundary, McKenzie, Bulwer, and Gladstone streets, followed by the taxi rank and Victoria, Smith and Wilson streets the next day. The initiative has been backed by a team of five permanent staff members and 21 temporary workers, organised into three teams.

The operation has been strongly supported by Endumeni Mayor Mcelo Mkhize, along with local ward councillors and municipal management from various departments, who were present for inspections and to assist with the project.
The clean-up campaign aims to address the growing issue of illegal dumping that has plagued these areas for years.

While some vendors selling goods (including food) in the area expressed satisfaction with the progress of the clean-up, others were found to violate municipal bylaws. Some vendors had blocked drains and had not complied with the necessary regulations required by the municipality. This has led the council to take further action to ensure that vendors adhere to the rules, especially those selling food and liquor without the proper permits and licences.

According to Mayor Mkhize, the clean-up campaign is just the beginning, with more operations planned to improve the town’s overall cleanliness. “We are committed to making Endumeni a cleaner, more pleasant place to live, work and visit,” said Mayor Mkhize. “This is only the first step and we will continue working to ensure that our community is environmentally sustainable for generations to come.” The municipality is urging all businesses, street vendors and residents to comply with regulations and support the ongoing efforts to maintain a cleaner, more organised town.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at dundee.courier@caxton.co.za. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394