MMC launches clean-up campaign to quell public outcry over overgrown grass

The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has, amid a public outcry over the city’s ‘failure’ to keep up with overgrown grass, launched a clean-up campaign aimed at encouraging public involvement in tackling this and the problem of illegal dumping in public spaces.

The campaign, called ‘Clean Your Kasi, Manje Namhlanje’ was launched in Thembisa on January 19, and led by Leshaka Manamela, MMC for Environmental Resource and Waste Management (ERWM).

Growing out of control
Many residents, who feel they are not getting value for their money, have complained about neglected greenery in open public spaces. This situation is apparently a result of the ‘delayed’ maintenance of equipment and the process of awarding the mowing contracts to service providers.
The delay caused grass and weeds along some parts of the roads to grow to such an extent that some road signs are partly obscured. In some parks, the furniture, including benches, are unusable.

Backlog
The city said in a statement: “The recently launched campaign aims to address the persistent issues of illegal dumping and the grass-cutting backlog that has developed across the city”.
The programme got off the ground with the cleaning of the Mooifontein Cemetery.
During the launch, Manamela emphasised the importance of the campaign, saying, “Clean Your Kasi, Manje Namhlanje is not just a campaign. It aims to promote greater cooperation with residents and communities to look after their immediate environment.

“We are taking a stand against illegal dumping and unattended grass in our townships. It is time for action.
“It cannot be right that we claim to love cleanliness and the environment, yet we do not take care of it. Let us join forces and look after the environment so it can also look after us. We need the environment for our existence and must be looked after.”

According to the CoE spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, the campaign is set to roll out several activations focused on cleaning up illegal dumping and maintaining green spaces, mainly in the townships.
“These initiatives will be complemented by educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of proper waste disposal and community involvement in maintaining a clean and healthy environment.”

Challenges
In an interview with this publication, the city admitted it faced internal challenges that led to a grass-cutting backlog.
However, Dlamini pointed out the municipal management is working closely with the relevant departments to resolve the challenges and ensure improved and ongoing maintenance of open spaces across the city.

Dlamini stated the city recognises the grass and plants in some areas of the city are currently longer than usual, creating a problem for residents.
“With this in mind, the city reassures residents it is doing all it can to get on top of grass-cutting. We are working on a programme that will see our teams dealing with the backlog – clearing overgrown vegetation in public open spaces, including parks, verges, sports fields, road reserves, and cemeteries across the city.”

Stop illegal dumping
The city urges communities to join the fight against illegal dumping.

“We encourage residents to show love for their green spaces by participating in community clean-ups. We always endeavour to support such community initiatives by making our resources available for the collection and disposal of piles of collected waste.

“Illegal dumping in vacant spaces turns public spaces into eyesores while also rendering the environment unsafe to live in.
“We already had reports of some areas being affected by rodents and insects, including flies, mosquitos, and rats. Illegal dumping is in most cases behind these infestations, particularly rats and clouds of flies and mosquitos buzzing around people’s homes.”

A letter penned by one of the concerned residents, Shaun Carter, highlighted the sad state of the public spaces in the Boksburg CBD and surrounding areas.
Carter pointed out the city has overgrown grass, along with other invading plant species which have reached over knee-highs without a single grass-cutting service in sight.
Some residents have posted images to local Facebook groups of overgrown areas that are so out of control that the vegetation is making walking along stretches of pavement a challenge.

A resident, Denise Oosthuizen Wilshire, posted on the town’s community group on Facebook saying, “If we have to compare ourselves this year to where we were last year at this time, it’s clear that the quality and frequency of service delivery have regressed despite our commitment to service our municipal accounts religiously.
“All signs of a failed municipality are to be witnessed in parks and public open spaces. Not once did park workers go out this season to cut grass due to self-inflicted reasons.
“Vehicles are piled up at dodgy garages for minor repair work that vary from replacing a battery to routine services on engines.
“All complaints in respect of tree pruning registered as far back as last year have gone unattended. Yet, the workers got paid, including receiving their 13th cheques.

“I’m picking on the Parks Depot as it is by far the worst performing service delivery department over the past year. My interaction with some parks officials has revealed that the lack of performance is actually assisted and abetted by a system failure caused by a lack of foresight and ethical leadership in the department.”

Have you noticed any overgrown public spaces in your neighbourhood? Email your photos to faniem@caxton.co.za
Please, include the name of the suburb and street where the overgrown spot is located.