02 August 2024 Media Release: Further Community Clean-Up Initiative in Concordia West

Media Release: Further Community Clean-Up Initiative in Concordia West

2 August 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Waste Management section again worked together with the Waste Management section of Knysna Municipality, Asivikelane, and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) to clean Concordia West Kop n Lop on Wednesday, 31 July 2024. This event followed an earlier clean-up on 18 July (Mandela Day) at the Concordia West wetland.

GRDM commended the participants for their dedication in trying to maintain clean environments and stressed the importance of continued education and awareness. During the clean-up, some community members were observed dumping waste even as others were cleaning. According to the GRDM District Waste Management Officer Innocentia Sikweyiya, “this truly highlighted the need for ongoing education about proper waste disposal in our communities”.

GRDM recognises the importance of joint clean-up efforts and stressed the need for stakeholders to revisit and revise their strategies. Integrating education, awareness, and recycling programs into their initiatives is seen as essential for long-term success.

Stakeholders and Contributions

Asivikelane: 37 participants
GRDM: Provided gloves, masks, and rakes
Polyco: Supplied plastic bags
Aquelle: Donated beverages
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE): 30 participants
Community Members: 6 participants
Knysna Municipality: Provided a refuse truck

In total, 320 bags of waste were collected during the clean-up. “These two clean-ups clearly demonstrate the value of collaborative efforts in promoting a cleaner and healthier environment,” said Sikweyiya.

Moving Forward

GRDM encourages ongoing community participation in maintaining cleanliness and stresses the importance of incorporating educational programs to foster better waste management practices. By working together and staying committed to these initiatives, the community can ensure a sustainable, healtier and cleaner future for all.