Tshwane has allocated a budget of over R2-billion to its environmental and agriculture management for the 2024/25 financial year to deal with illegal dumping and manage its waste challenges.
The budget will be used to address pressing waste challenges and implement initiatives to keep Tshwane clean and safe, according to MMC for Environment and Agriculture Management, Ziyanda Zwane
Tshwane has committed a large chunk of money to provide quality waste management services to keep the metro city clean.
Breaking down the use of the R2-billion, Zwane said R30-million would be channelled into addressing illegal dumping, which has been a concern.
Zwane said his department plays a crucial role in Tshwane by providing efficient waste management services, protecting natural resources and tackling illegal dumping.
“The R30-million has been designated for the implementation of relevant initiatives and enforcement measures against illegal dumping,” he said.
Zwane said the R30-million will be spread among programmes to keep the city clean.
“We have rolled out a day-to-day illegal dumping clearing programme, which requires us to deploy machinery such as TLBs and dumper trucks to collect and dump waste accordingly.”
He said this is done where humans cannot clear the heaps of waste themselves.
“The large chunk of the R30-million is going to contractors as they are the ones clearing this hotbed, as the city does not have the internal capacity.”
He said the city has approved measures to deal with illegal dumping.
“We will intensify by-law enforcement as illegal dumping is a clear lawlessness act which we will deal with harshly.”
Zwane said the mayoral committee last week approved turning of all illegal dumping hotbeds into food gardens.
“We will identify and clear all the illegal dumping and in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Economic Development will work to create food gardens. This will be done after the clearing and the proper planning and zoning of those specific land or areas.”
He said the TMPD would have to show more visibility to enforce by-laws and arrest illegal dumpers.
“We are also relying on private security as they have been supporting the city for a while now.”
Zwane said the R30-million illegal dumping budget would help the city take full control of waste management.
“We have noted that in nearby informal settlements, illegal dumping is rife. This is due to not having a proper waste management plan, however, with this budget, we are going to revisit the old model where we provide households in informal settlements with refuse bags to fill in their waste,” he explained.
“Then, once a week, we will collect the waste free of charge as this is part of the rudimentary services in informal settlements.”
In line with the commitment to maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards in residential areas, a whopping R649-million has been allocated specifically for household refuse removal services.
“This allocation underscores our dedication to ensuring the well-being and quality of our residents’ lives.”
Furthermore, the department recognises the importance of safeguarding the natural environment and combatting the proliferation of alien vegetation.
“To this end, a budget of R2.377-million has been earmarked for initiatives aimed at environmental preservation and removal of invasive plant species.”
Zwane said in support of agricultural development and sustainability, R660 000 has been allocated towards various agricultural initiatives to bolster agricultural practices, promote food security and enhance the livelihoods of farmers within our jurisdiction.
He said nature conservation and resorts have been allocated approximately R262.7-million, mainly for maintenance and management of the different reserves and resorts and taking care of the animals.
“This comprehensive budget reflects our commitment to keeping Tshwane a clean and vibrant city for all.”
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