The City of Cape Town’s department of Solid Waste employees held a public awareness about the negative impact of illegal dumping in the communities on Friday 9 September.
The employees, who were stationed at Site C Plaza, interacted with the public and handed out awareness pamphlets.
Speaking on behalf of the department, Andiswa Namzi described the event as part of public awareness and a way to empower the communities about the importance of living in a clean environment.
She said the aim is to keep the environment and the community clean.
She stated that they are targeting mostly busy areas.
“We visit areas like malls, centres,clinics, schools and taxi ranks. We also go door to door to the formal houses talking to the people. We also attend public meetings, especially in the informal areas, to talk to the communities,” said Namzi.
However, she stated that their biggest challenge when visiting informal areas is crime as they are often attacked or robbed.
Namzi urged the communities to use the shipping containers or communal rubbish bins wisely as they are assisting in minimising illegal dumping.
She said whoever is found illegally dumping will be fined between R500 to R10 000 or could be sentenced for a period of six months to two years in jail.
Mandalay resident Xolile Mabunzi described the event as a great initiative. He said it is time for residents to take responsibility.
“Cleanliness is very important. No one can take you seriously when you are dirty or living in a dirty area.
“We need to learn to take responsibility and stop relying on the government all the time,” he stated.
Mabunzi stated that the communities needed such initiatives.