Lekwa Local Municipality’s public conduct by-laws looms
Thobeka Mtsiselwa addressed the public on waste disposal in residential and public areas.
“Behave yourself” is what the Lekwa Local Municipality (LLM) expects from its residents.
During a public meeting at the Standerton Town Hall on June 18, several representatives from the municipality consulted the public on new by-laws they plan to implement soon.
Thomas Tshivhandekano of the Parks and Recreation Department laid out a list of basic prohibitions the municipality plans to implement.
These include offences, such as using abusive language in public and consuming alcohol and drugs in public spaces.
Public urination is also out of the question. Tshivhandekano explained that, in many cases, individuals not only urinate in public but also defecate.
“It is unacceptable to see people relieving themselves in public when there are fully functional restrooms nearby,” stated Tshivhandekano.
These by-laws will also prohibit gambling and public fighting. Tshivhandekano said it would also be illegal to spit in public, as it could spread disease.
He explained the by-laws related to noise pollution. He said anyone who wants to host events in public spaces needs to report to the JOC committee and present a detailed event plan, including the number of guests and a clean-up strategy.
“The JOC committee will give them a cut-off time, after which noise should remain under seven decibels,” stated Tshivhandekano,
He introduced the newest cut-off times for loud music and excessive noise. No one may make noise between 22:00 and 06:00 from Monday to Saturday. Noise on Sundays will be prohibited from 20:00 to 06:00.
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Thobeka Mtsiselwa addressed the public on waste disposal in residential and public areas. She reminded residents that the municipality was only responsible for the disposal of general waste and they had to put out the bags by 06:00 on the respective collection days.
Each household is permitted six bags of refuse during pickup, including a mix of garden and general household waste.
“Small bins in public areas are meant for public use and are not to be used by businesses to discard waste,” stated Mtsiselwa.
She explained that businesses must consult the municipality for bins and waste removal. The community could comment and contribute to the meeting by asking questions.
Pastor Pat van der Westhuizen raised concerns about the enforcement of these by-laws. He requested the municipality to ensure these new laws were enforced.
Tshivhandekano responded that the municipality plans to recruit enforcers to ensure that residents follow these by-laws.
Pastor Gerhard Swart raised concerns about people who urinate and defecate across the street from the Volle Evangeliese Church.
Billy Sonnen spoke to the municipality regarding the illegal disposal of waste in the River Park and surrounding areas in Standerton. MMC for Community Services and Safety, Mapaseka Molaba, responded by requesting help from the community.
“We need to work together to find out who is dumping illegally,” stated Molaba.
She explained the municipality had previously attempted to track down the individuals who illegally dumped in public areas.
She pleaded with the public to keep an eye out for illegal dumping. A draft of these by-laws is currently available on the municipality’s website and is open for public comment.
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