Inter-coastal clean-up hailed a success
Volunteers and various organisations braved the cold weather to unite for the sole purpose of creating a cleaner and greener environment.
ETHEKWINI Municipality partnered with stakeholders for an inter-coastal clean-up at Cuttings Beach on September 21.
Also read: Residents urged to get involved in spring beach clean-up
The event was led by the eThekwini Cleansing and Solid Waste Department, and several volunteers and organisations came out to assist in trying to alleviate the ongoing scourge of beach pollution.
Nelisiwe Zulu, the event organiser, described the ICC campaign as one of the biggest campaigns through volunteer contributions towards the conservation of beaches and oceans. She added that the clean-up allowed participants to see the environmental impact of human waste.
“The things we discard do not just disappear. Garbage is not only unsightly but also kills marine life. Sea turtles, seagulls and marine mammals are particularly vulnerable as they ingest it or get entangled in it,” she said.
The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Forest, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, who also helped with the clean-up. Singh spoke strongly about keeping our environment clean and making it a habit rather than just recognising it on special occasions.
Singh was specifically concerned about the state of Cuttings Beach and general pollution in Durban, considering its wastewater treatment challenges. “It is not only about the plastic you find on the beach but it is about pollutants that are being put into the streams, which some businesses have been found guilty of doing in the past,” he said.
Singh also dwelt on the need to conserve the environment.
“Section 24 of the Constitution talks of safeguarding a healthy environment for future generations. At the rate of pollution and irresponsibility we see today, it seems we will have nothing left to offer the next generation. We must ensure that future generations get a chance to enjoy the Earth the way we have,” he said.
He has also urged local businessmen to co-operate with the government over these issues, adding, “It’s not left to the government alone. We have to work together.”
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