A Wonderful awareness of Alex pollution

A recycler with a love for nature is concerned about Alex residents’ lack of appreciation for the cleanliness of their surroundings.

Wonderful Moyo of Rasta Village, Extension 8 wants to see the township’s residents appreciate and protect their environment. The environment, he said, included human beings who should protect all species and ensure their own surroundings were not polluted.

Moyo said his concern for cleanliness and proper environmental management would not be a threat to his collecting of rubbish for income. “The plastic, bottles, cardboard and scrap metal I collect are recycled and some are reusable after thorough cleaning,” he said.

“My concern is that people should develop a habit of disposing of their waste at central and specific points for collection by recyclers and cleaning crews, rather than dumping indiscriminately – which fouls their surroundings and creates health hazards.”

Moyo was particularly concerned about the pollution of the Jukskei River near the Setswetla Informal Settlement where he regularly sifts through the dirty, murky water and debris for recyclable items using gloves to protect himself from injury and infection.

He is worried about chemical waste said to be dumped into the river from factories upstream, and toxic paint discarded from housing developments. He said the chemicals have killed off most of the bird life, fish and water-borne insects which help to balance nature.

“Residents and businesses need to be constantly reminded of the long-term negative effects of their dumping and polluting, like the contamination of water sources, soil used for agriculture and the greenhouse effect causing global warming and changing of weather patterns.”

He urged the city council and those involved with the management of open spaces to conduct ongoing environmental awareness workshops for communities, businesses and school children.

Details: Wonderful Moyo 084 343 5153.