2008/12/03
THE Daily Dispatch’s “Trash Busters” campaign is gaining momentum with readers coming forward to identify the dirtiest areas in our towns and cities.
The campaign kicked off yesterday and already photographs submitted by readers have shown the filthy state of some suburbs.
Buffalo City Municipality spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya said the municipality welcomed the initiative and was “committed towards ensuring that our city is clean and our people live in a safe, healthy and sustainable environment”.
But despite the photographic evidence provided by readers, Ngwenya said he was unsure how the municipality would assist in the campaign and added they were in the process of “assessing strategies”.
“As soon as we have properly established this, we will be able to reveal the means and methods of engagement with the community.”
Readers interviewed by the Dispatch said they simply wanted the municipality to collect the rubbish.
Buffalo Flats resident Shane Jasson said people had been dumping rubbish illegally in his area for more than six months.
He took a number of pictures and sent them to BCM. He even tried to draw up a petition to have the area cleaned up, but most residents were reluctant to join forces with him.
“I have actually consulted the municipality. I sent them the same pictures I e-mailed you guys, but nothing has been done.”
Beacon Bay resident Whitney Hand said the North East Expressway was littered with discarded plastic and paper that had not been picked up during the recent clearing of vegetation along the route. The remnants of trees chopped down had yet to be removed.
“As the main artery into our city it leaves a lot to be desired when compared to the beautifully clean N2 passing our city. I have spoken to the municipality and they said ‘ we’ll look into it’, and that’s as far as they look.”
Another Beacon Bay resident thanked us for doing something for our readers. She said despite notifying the municipality about “dangerously placed” builders’ rubble in Jacob Nanni Place in North End, nothing had been removed.
“T he rubble in the road on the left ... is positively dangerous as one does not see it while coming down the road.”
Bonza Bay resident Judy Fitzgerald raised concerns about the wooded area at the bottom of Bonza Bay Road adjoining Pirates Creek, saying it had become a regular tip.
“If you stop and look in the bush then you’ll see all the rubbish. Christmas is coming and there will be lots of people going down to that beach.” -By VUYOLWETHU SANGOTSHA
• Send copies of your pictures and your complaints to trashbusters@dispatch.co.za
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