Maile gives waste packers a much needed boost
Gone are the days when waste packers had to collect waste travelling along the road while pulling huge trolleys which caused traffic congestion.
MEC of Economic Development Lebohang Maile recently announced that waste packers will be provided with the three-wheel vehicles across the province.
The waste economy in the province is estimated to be above the R15 billion in revenue in the province and provide about 30 000 people with employment opportunities.
The initiative is seen as a way of providing dignity to these hard-working fellow countrymen and women involved in this business.
“It is a government project aimed at combating unemployment, poverty and pollution. We want to first train them to know which waste is used, secondly, we want to make it easy for them to transport waste and ensure that it is safe when they transport waste,” said Maile.
The project is part of Bontle ke Botho campaign aimed at mobilising communities to contribute towards a cleaner and greener environment. The initiative will kick start with the first 200 custom built three-wheelers to be handed over to the waste packers across the province.
Waste collector Lucky Mathebula (44) has been collecting waste material for the past year. “I applauded the initiative. I often travel the entire Soweto area collecting waste and walk from Soweto to town to sell it.
“It is really expensive to hire a bakkie to ferry waste to the main collector in town. “On the road, we often battle for a space with motorist but such intervention would make our lives a little bit easier,” concluded Mthebula.
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