The environmental organisation cleans Ward 10 in eMbalenhle
Joseph Masondo, one of the organisation’s leaders, said they can not just fold their arms and watch eMbalenhle fill up with more garbage. Waste is being dumped everywhere.
The Communities for Better Environment organisation in eMbalenhle began their cleaning campaign in Ward 10 in eMbalenhle.
According to this organisation, its members realised that eMbalenhle is filthy and unhealthy with garbage everywhere in the township.
The organisation was registered four years ago, but its programmes only kicked off late last year.
Joseph Masondo, one of the organisation’s leaders, said they can not just fold their arms and watch eMbalenhle fill up with more garbage. Waste is being dumped everywhere.
“We want to promote a clean and healthy environment within our communities.
“If you look at our township, whether you enter it from Secunda, Evander, Standerton or from Roodebank, there is garbage all over.
“Who dumps there? The answer is simple – it is the same community.
“Illegal dumping contributes to an unhealthy environment because it feeds the rodents that are troubling our communities”
Masondo said some of their members reside in Ward 10 so they have decided to begin there.
“We aim to educate our communities about the dangers of the illegal waste dumping.
“We are also planning to get land where we will build a waste collection station to create opportunities for waste collectors,” said Masondo.
According to Masondo, their mission is to expand the programme to all the towns within the Govan Mbeki Municipality and to teach people about the importance of living in a clean and healthy environment.
Masondo said the organisation is now also assisting in scholar patrolling to help schools situated close to busy roads. They help learners safely cross the road.
“We encourage our communities to move away from depending on the municipality for everything. Let us begin doing things for ourselves,” said Masondo.
Masondo said they have a shortage of resources and equipment, such as gloves for personal protection and cleaning tools.
The organisation is relying on members to contribute out of their own pockets.
Anyone interested in contributing can contact Sibusiso Mazibuko on 076 666 2318.
