DURBAN Solid Waste (DSW) prides itself in keeping eThekwini clean and has recently introduced initiatives that have encouraged people to do the same.
With the continuous success of the Clean and Maintain My City Programme and National Clean-up Month endeavours, DSW teamed together with the parks and health services departments within the eThekwini Municipality to organise a door-to-door pamphlet distribution and education campaign in KwaDabeka E on Friday, 9 October.
“The purpose of the education drive is to educate the public on the best waste management practices and create awareness about keeping their environment clean,” said Mongezi Ntlawuzana, DSW Inner West Region Operations Manager.
Ntlawuzana’s biggest concern in the KwaDabeka area was the many illegal dumpsites, which attract rodents.
“We need people to adhere to the waste collection schedules. Only put your rubbish out on the allocated collection day for your area, otherwise monkeys and dogs tear up the refuse bags and the rubbish gets spread all over, which isn’t healthy, especially for children,” added Ntlawuzana.
The DSW education bus and clean-up teams arrived in KwaDabeka E to be greeted by an enthusiastic group of residents already waiting.
Ward 20 committee member for the environmental portfolio, Makhaya Xaba, addressed the residents and urged everyone to adhere to the no dumping policies that have been put in place.
“We welcome initiatives like this one because they help educate the community on disposing rubbish properly. The illegal dumpsites are unhealthy and make us sick.
“That’s why I’m hoping these information pamphlets will create awareness and growth in this ward and help to keep our area clean,” said Xaba.
The DSW teams went around the area, cleaning up the illegal dumpsites and educating the residents on using the correct bins for recycling and the correct coloured refuse bags for specific waste material.
Black refuse bags should be used for domestic and household waste; blue bags are used for garden waste; and orange bags are used for recyclable materials.
“We encourage community participation in all our clean-up campaigns. It’s a challenge, because residents don’t follow the basic rules of waste disposal, but that’s why we keep conducting education campaigns.
“We’re here to provide a service to the community but they also need to take responsibility for keeping their area clean,” said Amos Msomi, area cleansing officer.
DSW Tips To Keep Your Environment Clean
- Ensure that all refuse is put into the correct refuse bags/bin.
- Secure your refuse bags/bins thus preventing animal scavenging.
- Make sure that your refuse is stored in an approved container or refuse bag until DSW or Waste removal collects refuse.
- Make sure that you know the day and time that DSW collects refuse.
- For improved dumping sites contact your DSW/Service Provider or Waste removal contractor.
