Waste management project rolled out in Ugu District
At a recent workshop, the focus was on cleaning community area and recycling waste to produce quality goods for sale, to generate an income.
A non-governmental organisation, Art, Climate Change and Tourism, has embarked on a community-based cleaning, environmental management and sustainability project in Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) to counteract the effects of climate change while promoting the arts and economic development.
Project director, Yandisa Tshezi said a workshop held at Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre recently focused on cleaning community areas, re-using and recycling waste to produce quality goods for sale, to generate an income.
“Overall our project stands to fight the effects of climate change, promote environmental management, tourism and economic development while creating jobs. If the waste is not collected, it is pushed into stormwater drains during heavy rains. In turn, this causes more flooding and damage to the environment and properties,” said Tshezi.
She added that community members are trained to see waste as a means of starting a business by collecting, recycling for reuse to make money out of it.
“When we collect waste, we keep our communities safe and clean for tourism to thrive for job creation. We invited FNB business educators to share information with us on how to grow this project to make a meaningful contribution to our communities.”
According to Tshezi, 50 waste pickers and entrepreneurs have received training in business management.
“When they succeed, our goal, mission and vision will be achieved as we will enjoy more job creation spin offs.”
Tshezi added that private-public partnership is necessary to grow the economy and create much-needed jobs. “Since we started this waste management project, we have created more than 20 jobs in RNM and we want to expand this project to other local municipalities. We are implementing this project in Gamalakhe, KwaMasinenge and Mkholombe.”
She appeals for support, partnerships and sponsors so that the project makes a positive impact. Contact her on 065-582-5956.
“We thank Gamalakhe Taxi Association for free transport from Gamalakhe to Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre and appreciate the support of KwaMavundla Traditional Council. We appeal to municipalities to partner with us to clean their areas, stimulate tourism and job creation,” said Tshezi.
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