01 August 08

By Keotshepile wa Mogotsi

LITTER louts may be fined if they “rubbish Mogale City”; this is the no-nonsense message expressed by top officials in the City’s department of integrated environmental management during a No more litter campaign that kicked off at Apple Park in Burgershoop.

The campaign, led by the department’s straight-talking executive manager, Morakane Mokoena, is aimed at making Mogale City a cleaner and brighter place to live or visit. Apple Park, an old residential area on the western side of Krugersdorp, was the campaign’s first stop. The clean-up crew found a grimy and littered suburb.

The department’s workforce got busy, cleaning storm water drains that were chockfull of rubbish and mud, and clearing road gutters that were filled with paper, plastic, old carpets, mud, leaves and branches.

No more litter is an awareness campaign driven by the department. Over and above cleaning up rubbish, the intention is to green areas that were previously illegal dumping spots. It has a three-pronged approach - awareness, education, and enforcement.

Speaking about illegal dumping, Mokoena said that her department had adopted a strategy in place. “We have adopted a 30-day plan as part of the beautification of our city and by 2010 we should have a clean, green, and safe Mogale City.”

And the department’s manager, Leon van Zyl - who is tired of illegal dumping - warned perpetrators that they could be fined. “We would like to put emphasis on illegal dumping. Our eyes will be open and perpetrators will be fined up to R10 000.”

Illegal dumping poses health risks, according to the department. It harms water quality and wildlife habitat; it is associated with increased crime; it creates an ugly and disheartening environment; it wastes resources like money and time to clean up, to mention a few issues.

Jakkie Naude, the Democratic Alliance ward councillor for Ward 20, echoed van Zyl’s sentiments that perpetrators should be fined. “When perpetrators are fined for illegal dumping, it should not be a small fine because if people are involved in this illegal act they show no respect for themselves and for other people.”

Motorists have also been warned to refrain from tossing litter out their vehicle windows. According to a statement issued by the department, Mogale City has established an aesthetic committee to ensure residents care for their environment; it will work to change attitudes and create litter awareness.

During the latest campaign, emphasis is on education and creating awareness. Stickers, pamphlets and word of mouth are being used.

Cleanliness is a particular focus in Mogale City, which has won the national Bontle Ke Botho cleanliness competition three times.