Salvokop youth interim leader Thandi Thathane has urged the area’s residents to stop illegal dumping.
“We have a serious problem about illegal dumping and untidiness in the area,” Thathane said.
“This problem puts the lives of the people especially children, who play on illegal dumping sites, at risk of contracting deceases.”
The youth body ruled out a previous claim suggesting that the problem was as a result of allegedly the Tshwane metro’s failure to provide basic services, instead blaming residents.
“Our residents have themselves to blame for the untidiness in the area.”
She said the youth became aware of the actual problem when following up on the matter as they embarked on continuous clean-up campaigns in the area.
Through their initiative to become part of the solution rather than only complaining, they found out that the residents’ lack of understanding the importance of cleanliness in the area was the cause of the problem.
“We found that when metro employees remove garbage from illegal dumping sites, the residents dump immediately after the employees have left.”
She said after two days, the problem worsened as garbage piled up.
The metro confirmed that it had been repeatedly cleaning up Salvokop.
Tshwane metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said litter pickers cleaned Savokop regularly and a special team was assigned to clear illegal dumping in the area twice a week.
“The area is overpopulated, there are lots of shacks behind every property, however, this should not be a justification to have the surroundings dirty – as that can be a health hazard,” Mashigo said.
He said, with regards to solving the problem, the city under the leadership of mayor Randall Williams had re-launched the Twelopele clean-up operation.
“In essence this campaign involves the community, and creates awareness as well as education about the importance to keep our surroundings dirt-free.”
He also said the metro regarded waste management service as one of its key responsibilities.
Meanwhile, the Salvokop youth is looking at possible ways of educating residents about keeping the area clean.
“We will discuss the matter at our meetings and see how we may involve various stakeholders to run a successful campaign of educating our residents about the importance of cleanliness in our area,” Thathane said.
She said Salvokop youth believed residents could solve the problem by working together.
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