Clean-up operation brings hope in Ward 68

THE South Durban Basin Area-Based Management (SDB ABM) held its week-long Operation Good Hope (OGH) addressing various service delivery issues in Wentworth and Merebank.

Mcebo Mondli Mbatha, SDB ABM’s project coordinator, said OGH is an initiative that provides an opportunity through which interdepartmental collaborations can be conducted to tackle service delivery issues faced by communities.

Also read: Organisations band together to clean up Treasure Beach

“It also promotes interconnected work so as to eradicate working in silos. The OGH was undertaken in Wentworth and Merebank as both communities face several challenges such as illegal dumping, faded road markings, streetlight issues, roadside dumping, rodent infestation and blocked sewerage systems, among others,” he said.

Mbatha said that throughout the week, the SDB ABM worked in partnership with various City departments, including Environmental Health, Safer Cities, Vector Control, Roads (rehabilitation), CSW, EWS and Parks, among others.

“Some of the work that was done included markings on various roads, the replacement of stormwater drains, litter-picking, clearing of illegal dumping at the corner of roads and educational talks to create awareness in the community about the importance of cleanliness and keeping the environment clean and safe.

“Furthermore, the residents were informed of the correct use of the different colour waste-refuse bags and when to dispose of them for collection. People were given pamphlets, and ‘No Illegal Dumping’ signs were plastered in the hotspots. The Parks Department also held an educational talk at two crèches, and trees were planted.

“We urge residents to keep their area clean and to report service delivery issues. The role of the SDB ABM is to provide facilitation and coordination to line departments in fast-tracking service delivery backlogs in the city,” he said.

For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram.