VRYHEID KZN: Proactive community members conduct clean-up session at Lakeside

Ward 22 Councillor Lawrence Dube and the residents of Lakeside took to the streets on Saturday to clean up their residential area.

Cllr Dube previously raised concerns about the litter mounting up in open sites. He mentioned that there have been several campaigns to clean the town and neighbouring areas. “It is the municipality’s responsibility to clean these areas, but every time we address issues to them, we are told there are no resources to execute the work. I believe that if we had proper planning, the municipality would know what to prioritise and have the proper resources for the different communities. I also believe that we cannot function without the ‘yellow machine’; having to service 22 wards with limited resources is impossible,” said Cllr Dube. He also complained about the grass that needs to be mowed at entrance areas, as the grass is long enough to cause an obstruction. He added that schoolchildren have to walk through long grass when going to school, and he happened to see a snake there.

On the upside, he said, “We were assisted with a TLB from the municipality when cleaning up on Saturday.”

Cllr Dube went on to explain that as much as it is the municipality’s responsibility to clean up areas, it is also the residents’ responsibility to keep their place of residence clean at all times. “People should try to create a clean and safe environment for themselves; people cannot create their own dumping site just because they know there is the municipality who will clean up after them. You cannot dispose of things like diapers and sanitary pads on the streets. People must also not chop down their trees and throw the branches in the street; that is not common sense. I believe that if you have common sense and a conscience, you will know and do the right thing.”

Cllr Dube said a big thank you to the community members who helped with the cleaning, saying that the team was determined and hardworking. The team members also vouched for him and said they will assist whenever they are needed in order to keep their environment in a good condition. Cllr Dube issued a plea to people in all the different communities to work together with the municipality in keeping their environment spic ‘n span. He further urged the municipality to assist the people living in locations by delivering services to them. He concluded by saying, “If you have self-love, that will also create love for the place you live, so keep it clean.”

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