VIDEO: Health prioritised at city’s outreach in Clairwood
The residents of Mandela Park Informal Settlement were the beneficiaries of this programme.
ETHEKWINI Municipality’s Operation Good Hope got off to a good start on Wednesday morning, 17 February.
Coordinated by the South Durban Basin-Area Based Management (SDB ABM) unit, health, wellness, and solid waste education were topics covered on the day.
The residents of Mandela Park Informal Settlement on Dayal Road, Clairwood, were the beneficiaries of this outreach programme.
Ward 32 councillor, Portas Ngonyama, outlined the major problems the ward faces. He highlighted the issue of illegal electrical connections in the area.
“I recently met with electricity department officials and we agreed that the matter should be fast-tracked. This will eliminate the dangers related to illegal connections which can lead to death,” he said.
He also commented on the area’s filth and urged residents to dispose of their rubbish accordingly as an aid to Durban Solid Waste (DSW) with collection. Enviro Health, DSW Education and Operations and Metro Police were also present.
SDB ABM’s Irene Chetty, said that the sharing of resources allows a smooth flow operation.
“Community engagement is important when a city is doing these operations to ensure active stakeholder and community participation. In an area like Clairwood an operation needs to take at least a minimum of two days. The area is characterised by multiple businesses that require an intensive inspection and the ensuring of bylaws compliance,” she said.
Aimed at facilitating coordinated service delivery, representatives explained their respective roles to the residents. Senior manager of the SDB ABM office, Eurakha Singh, said the programme was mandated by mayor Mxolisi Kaunda.
“Our office’s role is to facilitate and fast track service delivery in all our areas. These operations take place with various line departments throughout eThekwini and to ensure all comply with the by-laws. We aim to make a difference every day in the lives of our community.”
“This programme was to ensure the community follows the Covid-19 regulations, to reinforce the process and seriousness of the pandemic. We also aimed to empower the community to why it is vital to be hygienic and get good nutritional food,” she said.
