21 July 2023 Media Release: Garden Route DM rolls out multi-stakeholder anti-litter clean-up campaign regionally

Garden Route DM rolls out multi-stakeholder anti-litter clean-up campaign regionally

21 July 2023

As part of the District Illegal Dumping Strategy, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Waste Management Unit this week started with a multi-stakeholder approach to clean hotspots from illegally dumped waste. The aim of the campaign is also to reduce pollution caused by the mismanagement of waste and educating communities on the importance of legal waste disposal. The campaign will continue until 28 July, whereafter it will be reviewed and rolled out throughout the region. All seven (7) municipal areas within the Garden Route district will be covered.

“Activities in each area include litter picking, road gutter cleaning, clearing of illegal dump sites, as well as education and awareness,” said Innocentia Sikweyiya District Waste Management Officer.

Some pictures taken at Ward 5 in Plettenberg Bay before and during the clean-up of a hotspot.

According to Sikweyiya the cleaning of a hotspot in Bitou on 19 July went as planned although work was interrupted by some rain. Our first clean-up session showcased that many community members are passionate about living in a clean and safe space. The focus will now shift to Oudtshoorn today, with Mossel Bay following suit. “Ward Councillors will also participate in the campaign in areas,” she said.

Partners of this campaign include the GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP), Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), and POLYCO along with each local municipality.

“My plea is really for us all to work together to create a cleaner, greener, and safer environment for generations to come.”

Feature image: The team who helped with the clean-up of Ward 5 in Plettenberg Bay.

ENDS