NUMEROUS attempts are underway to address ocean pollution challenges on both south and north coast beaches. This emerged at the launch of the  Working for the Coast programme in Durban on August 29.

The programme aims to employ more than 1000 people to clean beaches from Umkomaas, Merebank, The Bluff and Tongaat.

Also read: Lack of awareness campaigns blamed for beach pollution

The programme specifically focuses on cleaning river embankments, waterways, and coastal areas to prevent litter and waste from entering the ocean, thereby protecting biodiversity, public health, and local economies.

Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Narend Singh, launched the programme in partnership with eThekwini Municipality.

“Our coastline is one of South Africa’s greatest treasures. It is a source of life and livelihoods, a space of cultural meaning, a magnet for tourism, and a home to remarkable biodiversity. Protecting it is not only government’s job. It is a responsibility we all share.”

He said in eThekwini alone there are 1274 participants already at work from Amanzimtoti to Umgababa, and from The Bluff up to Umhlanga.

“The main objectives of the programme are job creation, environmental management practice and strengthening support for Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). KwaZulu-Natal faces significant environmental challenges which are caused by inclement weather, inadequate waste management systems and unsustainable practices leading to pollution and substantial risks to coastal areas and its habitats,” said Singh.

The project activities include:

• Litter picking,
• Sweeping,
• Cleaning,
• Clearing of gutters and walkways along the coastal areas.

“We are working very closely with municipalities to ensure that the issue of dysfunctional pump stations are addressed and resolved. This will help to ensure that communities and tourists can enjoy our beaches and hopefully restore the blue flag status to many of our beaches.

“The programme is our way of honouring that responsibility. For many years, it has been the hands and feet caring for our shores, cleaning beaches, restoring dunes, maintaining public spaces, and keeping estuaries healthy. At the same time, it has created much-needed work opportunities for local communities,” said Singh.

Singh met fishermen at Cuttings Beach

In July this year, Singh told fishermen at a fishing competition that the programme will see over 1000 people being employed.

Singh was speaking with fishermen and the Merebank community at Cuttings Beach.

“It’s going to be a six-month contract. The workers will be cleaning beaches daily from Umkomaas to Tongaat,” Singh added.

The initiative also forms part of the Department’s Expanded Public Works Programme, which creates work opportunities while tackling environmental challenges.

For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.