Grimy corner gets TLC in clean-up campaign
The aim of the clean-up was to restore the space to what it was,
AS part of a city-wide operation known as ‘Khuculul’iTheku’ which kicked off on Thursday,14 September led by Mayor Zandile Gumede, members of the South Durban Basin (SDB) Area Based Management (ABM) hosted an inter-department clean-up campaign on Saturday, 9 September.
In light of September being national clean-up month where people from all walks of life are encouraged to ‘Spring clean’ the environment in celebration of the arrival of Spring, the mayor urged residents to take ownership of eThekwini by ensuring that the parts of the city where they live are kept clean, safe and healthy.
The SDB took the encouragement to heart and focused on the corner of Duranta and Landsdowne roads which borders the areas of Wentworth and Merebank. The area was once an attractive, green open space with flower beds that created a beautiful entrance to both these communities. In the last few years, the space has been overrun by taxis, and has attracted dumping and grime. The space is frequented by school children who hang around while waiting for taxis to go home. It is now seen by locals as an unsavoury and unhealthy environment, in addition to being an illegal dump sites.
Eurakha Singh, senior manager at South Durban Basin Area Based Management office said that the ABM is committed to co-ordinating and facilitating improvements in the area. In an effort to enforce appropriate land use and sustaining the natural environment, the South Durban Basin (SDB) Area Based Management (ABM) with help from eThekwini’s Metro Police, roads and parks departments began the clean-up on Saturday. “They were instrumental in removing tons of waste from the space and also moving the taxis parked in the open space. The dedication shown by the line departments participating in the campaign proved that a clean and sustainable community is possible.The aim of the clean-up was to restore the space to what it was, and to create a clean and beautiful community that residents feel proud of.” said Eurakha.
READ:Â Umhlatuzana restored to former glory after clean-up
According to local ward councillor, Aubrey Snyman “the ultimate goal is to obtain the buy-in of the community to prevent and alleviate illegal dumping”.
“This initiative is ongoing and provisions have been made to regulate illegal activities that take place in this area,” said Captain Singh of Metro Police.
Garth Kloppenborg of the parks department said: “I appreciate the combined efforts of the relevant departments in making the clean-up a success. My department will undertake to maintain and sustain the good work done by the other departments.
ALSO READ: ABM cleans up Lamontville
Clean-ups such as these build community pride and ownership. “We plead to the residents living in the area to be the eyes and ears of the municipality and to report illegal dumping or any other illegal activity to Durban Solid Waste on 031-311-8804 for dumping or Metro Police on 031-361-0000,” added Eureka.
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