A campaign to clean up public spaces in and around Cape Town has been launched, and additional funding has been allocated to the initiative to ensure each community is clear of rubbish and waste.
The City of Cape Town’s Executive Mayor, Dan Plato, says the City decided to give the initiative additional funding after members of the public called on it to do more.
“After meeting with many of you, our residents, in recent months, and hearing your calls that we need to keep a lid on the grime, I’ve allocated an extra R115-million to ramp up our cleaning operations. But we can’t do it without you.”
It is imperative to maintain the cleanliness and physical appearance of public spaces in Cape Town for the health of all who use them.
“We want the street you live in and the park your children play in to be clean and safe,” says Plato.
Of the R115-million, R56-million will go towards cleaning of the informal settlements and R14-million towards the recruitment of Expanded Public Works Programme members, who assist with community clean-ups. Another estimated R20-million will be allocated to the Area Cleaning Division in Cape Town’s Solid Water Management Directorate, especially for the poorer areas in the city. In order to ensure the up-keep of the public Recreation and Parks Department, R25-million will go towards curating the grass and general maintenance.
Plato reminds members of the public not to illegally dump waste.
“Our staff removes residents’ refuse and EPWP workers keep our streets clean. However, it is also the responsibility of residents to throw their refuse in bins and not illegally dump waste on the side of the road or in open spaces. We want this clean-up to be a team effort and something which creates pride within communities and we encourage everyone to look after the neighbourhood that they live in.”
Cape Town boasts beaches with Blue Flag status and some of the greenest urban parks for families to enjoy; everyone has a part to play in cleaning their surrounding environment and community, keeping our city’s outdoor areas beautiful.
Maintaining the city’s clean and green appearance may also lessen crime, and vice versa, according to Plato.
“We want to make sure that all the above, including your local neighbourhood, stays safe and sparkling clean because we know that unchecked grime can lead to crime.”
Plato will be making routine visits across the city to ensure that the allocated budged it being put to effective use.
“Over the coming weeks, I’ll be visiting a number of communities to make sure we are spending our budget effectively and efficiently and I’ll be picking up litter, sweeping our streets, and making sure the illegal dumpers are caught and fined.”
Locals are encouraged to report any sightings of knowledge of illegal dumping.
“If you see illegal dumping, please report it immediately to 021 480 7700.”
Picture: City of Cape Town, supplied