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LET’S MAKE DURBAN GREATIt is two years since the eThekwini Municipality launched the

Clean and Maintain My City programme, with the objective of getting important stakeholders together to take charge

of the spaces in which they live, play and work. However, the most important stakeholder is YOU. Yes, you, the one reading this publication. Have you stopped and asked yourself this important question? “What am I doing to contribute the cleanliness of MY space?”

If you have a positive answer, good on you. Keep doing the great work that you’re doing. If you have answered negatively, i.e., that you have not yet done anything, it is never too late. Start now. Go out there, open the door of your home, shop or workplace and look at the deteriorating effect of litter on the City. Too often, we notice an illegal dumpsite, but refuse to take the initiative to report it. We witness family and friends throwing dirt out their car windows, yet we are silent. Why is this?

This is the City that we love, that we live in. It is up to all of us to maintain the dignity of Durban, stop littering and assist our communities and the Government so that we can achieve the eThekwini Municipality’s vision of becoming Africa’s most caring and liveable City. This vision is not achievable alone. We require the commitment from our business and residential stakeholders to jump on the train that is slowly moving and ensure that we push until it is running at full speed. I am referring to Clean and Maintain My City train.

Allow me to ponder on a few highlights since this programme was established. We launched CMMC in March 2013 with a huge clean-up operation in Umlazi. Communities got on board and helped the team clean up and also signed a pledge to keep the train moving. Since then, through extensive publicity and the continued encouragement to communities, the

CLLR JAMES NXUMALO

ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY

programme took on a life of its own. Other initiatives that fell under the umbrella of CMMC include Clean and Maintain My School, which is spearheaded by learners in various schools who conduct their own clean-ups to keep their schools in a tidy condition. We have also launched Clean and Maintain My Ward, where members of the community decided to take back their spaces. Here we have seen clean-ups in areas like Clairwood, Phoenix, Matikwe, Inanda, Umlazi and many others. An important highlight is that the campaign has touched the lives of the business and educational institutions community. The SA Post Office conducted a joint clean-up with the City while the Durban University of Technology also committed to cleaning up.

In addition, the Qalakabusha Programme provided valuable assistance to the homeless who were addicted to various substances. They were rehabilitated and integrated back into their communities. This is an ongoing programme that is run by the safer Cities Unit. We will continue with awareness campaigns and intervention to lift those who have been trapped into a life of drugs. Our Safer Cities Unit also intervenes in derelict buildings to the rid the City of abandoned buildings that have become havens for criminals and drug dealers.

As you can see, the Clean and Maintain My City programme is not just about Durban Solid Waste utilising their resources. Attitudes MUST be changed. Actions MUST be taken. You do not create a job for someone when you litter. You are infringing on one of the City’s bylaws. Illegal dumping can get you fined. Let us all respect our spaces. Report these activities and get involved. Join us on the train that will take us to our vision, one stop at a time. We have taken the first step. It is up to YOU to take us to our ultimate goal: of becoming a clean, green and caring City.

“This is the City that we love, that we live in. It is up to all of us to maintain the dignity of Durban…”

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THE Clean My City programme is about motivating the people of eThekwini to work together with eThekwini Municipality to build a sustainable environment for the current and future generations. It is all about taking ownership of your spaces and the City assists by mobilising the public behind the vision of a clean and well maintained city, and instil civic pride so that a culture a responsibility, inclusion and belonging is established.

The people who live and work this beautiful City have the power to contribute positively to the Clean My City programme. The success of our City, means our standard of living will improve.

Creating an awareness of infrastructure development plans for water, sanitation, electricity, housing, solid waste and transport is very important as the Municipality is committed to promoting an environment which industry, the community, investors, tourists and citizens will enjoy.

The City’s vision is to be Africa’s most caring and liveable City by 2030 where all citizens live in harmony.

This is Our City, we must look after it.

We must look after our City for our future generations. This vision cannot only be achieved by City offi cials and Councillors. We must all work together to make a meaningful contribution towards making our City great.

Our Vision

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THE RATIONALE FOR CLEAN AND MAINTAIN MY CITY

THE issues of general cleanliness, bylaw enforcement and compliance, potholes, verge maintenance, illegal businesses, bad buildings, inappropriate land uses and other remain major challenges facing the City. These challenges hamper the City’s plans to develop and sustain our spatial, natural and built environment, and to create a quality living environment.

The campaign is about the integration of all Municipal

services to tackle these challenges.

Derelict buildings which have broken windows, old rotting wooden floorboards and unbearable stenches were home to many. Buildings have been and still is a problem because of its severely dilapidated condition. These buildings are also being used as an illegal accommodation establishments.

The Municipality has warned all unscrupulous landlords

that if they continue to contravene health, safety and building bylaw regulations, the City will raid and close down their buildings. EThekwini Municipality tackles the issue of derelict buildings in the City through the recently gazetted problem building by law.

Filth infested areas where people litter causes areas such as parks and around businesses to lose out on potential clients. Tourists and

potential investors will not see the beauty of the City when there is an escalating level of filth on the streets, especially the centre of our towns.

EThekwini Municipality saw that the issue of the cleanliness needed to be addressed with severe urgency. The inception of the Clean My City campaign was motivated to do a call to action for the people of Durban to take care of their City.

FOCUS AREAS FOR THE CLEAN AND MAINTAIN MY CITY PROGRAMME• Urban renewal - focuses on restoring the City to a

good condition through an urban management plan. The City has been demarcated into zones, which have been profiled and there is a plan to revitalise each zone based on critical issues identified.

• Community and social upliftment – focuses on addressing all social issues plaguing the city such as the safety and security, underground city, homeless people living in the streets.

• Communications and community mobilization – focuses on instilling civic pride in citizens, changing attitudes and behaviour on issues of litter, pollution and by-law compliance, as well as mobilizing them to support the clean and maintained city vision.

• Enforcement – focuses on monitoring compliance with by-laws to ensure that areas that have been restored are not allowed to deteriorate.

Various activities were held at the CMC Launch in March 2014, involving Mayor, James Nxumalo, the City’s Executive Committee, officials and the community. With many focus areas driving the programme, a pledge was signed by Nxumalo, cementing his commitment to the initiative.

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THE issues of general cleanliness, by laws enforcement and compliance, potholes, verge maintenance, illegal businesses, bad buildings, inappropriate land uses and other remain major challenges facing the City. These challenges hamper the City’s plans to develop and sustain our spatial, natural and built environment, and to create a quality living environment.

The campaign is about the integration of all Municipal services to tackle these

challenges.

Derelict buildings which have broken windows, old rotting wooden fl oorboards and unbearable stench were home to more than 500 people. Buildings have been a problem because of its severely dilapidated condition. These buildings are also being used as illegal accommodation establishments.

The Municipality has warned all unscrupulous landlords that if they continue to contravene health, safety and building

bylaw regulations, the City will raid and close down their buildings. EThekwini Municipality tackles the issue of derelict buildings in the City through the recently gazetted problem building by law.

Potholes are an issue as they do not damage cars but also endanger people’s lives as they cause damages to vehicle that puts drivers at risk.

Filth infested areas where people litter causes areas such as parks and around businesses to lose out on

potential clients. Tourists and potential investors will not see the beauty of the City when there’s an escalating level of fi lth on the streets, especially in the centre of our towns.

EThekwini Municipality saw that the issue of the cleaniliness of the City needed to be addressed with severe urgency. The inception of the Clean My City campaign was motivated to do a call to action for the people of Durban to take care of their City.

BEFORE THE CAMPAIGN

Illegal dumping became a regular occurrence in many parts of the City. From bottles to plastic packets, to rubble, these were an eyesore for the residents living in the area.

Derelict and abandoned buildings pose a health and safety risk. The City is currently looking at ways to take back these buildings and discipline owners who do not comply with building bylaws.

There was an urgent need for an intervention, thus the DSW Mascot, Nono, was established, to spur on communities to clean up. Nono travelled far and wide, from communities to schools and became a popular icon in relation to the Clean and Maintain My City programme.

Mayor James Nxumalo called on all residents to join the campaign, through various mediums. Preaching the message of “It starts with YOU,” communities needed to take stock of the condition of their areas and ensure they keep it tidy.

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WHERE WE ARE NOW?

CLEAN AND MAINTAIN MY SCHOOLINSTILLING good values into our future generation is of paramount importance. It is also an integral part of the Clean and Maintain My City programme. More than 20 schools have officially launched Clean and Maintain My School, however more than 105 schools are active participants of the programme. Whilst we appreciate the initiatives taken by residents, schools have a direct impact of teaching children about cleanliness. These learners will grow up preaching the message of cleanliness, will vocalise it with their peers and parents and teach the coming generations. Clean and Maintain My School was launched in many schools with students stepping up to teach others that a clean, conducive learning

environment is vital. Learners and teachers embraced the programme to such an extent that it was then included in their programmes for Arbour Day, Youth day, World Environment day, Mandela Day and National Clean-up Month. At the most recent launch at Matabetulu Primary School, learners embraced the programme and promised to keep the school clean at all times. They also pledged to do a wekkly clean up. The Durban Solid waste Team utilise an educational truck which is equipped with posters, pamphlets and they garner support from other Units to teach children about other aspects like environmental impact and the importance of precious resources like water and electricity.

A clean-up campaign at Mayville primary School is one of the shining examples of kids taking the initiative

CLEAN & MAINTAIN MY WARD

Major clean-up operations have taken off in many wards around the City. Residents have heeded the call of cleanliness and have stepped up to make a positive difference. The conditions in which the area was found was previously appalling but residents have shown their commitment to the CMC programme and have pledged to sustain the

cleanliness of their spaces.

One of the major highlights took place at ward 11, where residents and schoolchildren were suffering with unhygienic living conditions, dangerous odours emanating from an illegal dumpsite and general filthiness of the ward. They joined hands and conducted a clean-up campaign last year.

The response from communities have been positive. Residents, Councillors and other stakeholders have realised the importance of cleanliness. Many feel that cleanliness is next to godliness and have done great work to keep their wards clean. Remember, there are 103 wards in the eThekwini Municipality. It may seem like a menial

effort if one ward conducts a clean-up campaign, but every small action makes a positive difference. If each ward has a Clean and maintain My City champion, the community can partner with the Municipality to clean up on a daily basis. Let us all emulate the example shown by the communities that have spearheaded their own campaigns!

Communities play a vital role in the upkeep of their wards. They have embraced the campaign and have started taking responsibility. This is the main objective of the Clean and Maintain My City programme, where everyone works together for a cleaner, greener Durban.

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Stop Illegal Dumping!Have you witnessed your neighbour, friend or anyone else packing thrash into their vehicles and dumping it into a vacant space? This is ILLEGAL!

Illegal Dumping costs the eThekwini Municipality millions of Rands every year. In an effort to curb the problem of illegal dumping, DSW has placed many “NO Dumping” signs in identifi ed problem areas, and has proved effective. Drive around the City and you are sure to spot a plot of vacant land, fi lled with waste and litter. Unbeknownst to the residents living nearby, it is a health risk. Rodents, insects and snakes are attracted to dump sites, posing a serious threat. This has a negative impact on the environment. That’s why everyone needs to take ownership of their City to ensure that they live in a safe, healthy environment and to refrain from dumping illegally and report those that do.

Each individual needs to make an effort to protect the reputation and the condition of the City.

If people are caught practicing illegal dumping, they could face a hefty fi ne.

REPORT ILLEGAL DUMPING to 031 311 8804 or email DSW@durban.gov.za

You can also call the City Integrity and Investigations Unit on 0800 20 20 20

DON’T FORGET TO TAKE DOWN THE REGISTRATION NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE OR ANY OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS.

Neglected Buildings a hazardThe City conducts monthly raids on bad buildings in and around the Durban CBD. Recently, a building was shut down because the owner refused to comply with the bylaws of the Municipality. The Clean My City Operations team, as part of their weekly clean ups, also target buildings that do not comply with various bylaws and is often a health hazard. This is because landlords take it upon themselves to exploit the plight of the poor and charge them exorbitant rental fees. This is also ILLEGAL.

The eThekwini Municipality will continue to conduct these raids so that the City can be rid of the crime and grime and all people live in proper, healthy conditions.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE THREATS POSED BY ILLEGAL DUMPING: • Serious threat to public health and safety, and the quality

of life.

• Rodents, snakes, and insects are attracted to dump sites which poses as health risks.

• Dump sites with scrap tyres provide an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can multiply 100 times faster in the warm, stagnant water standing in scrap tire casings.

• Dumping activities can have negative impacts on plants and wildlife.

• Dumping attracts criminal activities (overgrown bush and grass - becoming hideaways for vagrants and criminals)

• May decrease property values as a result it decreases tourism which affects the economy.

• Can cause damage to the council’s grass cutting equipment, and may delay the grass cutting cycle.

• It is expensive to clean up.

SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THAT ARE NOTED ON THE RAIDS INCLUDE: • Water leaks

• No proper sanitation

• Illegal electricity connections

• Unhealthy living conditions

• Infestation of rodents

A raid at a building in the Durban CBD uncovered appalling health and living conditions. These raids are done on a monthly basis and seeks to inspect the conditions in which people live and also warn landlords to comply to bylaws.

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Qalakabusha ProjectThe Qalakabusha Intervention project is yet another success story under the Clean and Maintain My City umbrella. Noticing that drug and substance abuse had reached alarming levels, the project was established as an intervention tool aimed to address drug and substance abuse as well as the plight of the homeless, particularly in the Albert Park and inner city area, where it was found that most drug/ substance abuse was taking place.

Mayor James Nxumalo yet again stepped up to commit towards this project. He visited the area in February 2014 and various issues were raised and addressed. Some of the challenges were homelessness, unemployment, drug addiction and a strong need for rehabilitation.

This is when the City involved various stakeholders to address the above. It was then that the seven point intervention plan was presented and established. The seven segments are as follows:

• OutreachandReceptionServices• ScreeningandPsychoSocialSupport• TreatmentandRehabilitation• SkillsDevelopmentandEmploymentOpportunities

• IDandBirthCertificate•ReintegrationandReunification• SheltersandHalfwayHousesThrough the Qalakabusha Project, 80 people were assisted to apply for their Identity documents, 29 have successfully received them and repeat applications have been traced.

Employment:

One ex-drug user is now employed at an aluminum company

Two people involved in the welding training programme offered by Skwe One Organisation are currently in the process of setting up their businesses while one has been employed by the company

Additionally, 2 other drug users are employed and one ex-addict is now a successful taxi operator in KwaMashu

Happy Endings…

More than 35 people were successfully reintegrated and reunited with their families which was facilitated by the Department of Correctional services, Sekwanele Ex Convict Reintegration Organisation, UNISA Brightsite Project & the Department of Social Development.

SOME OF THE PROHIBITED BEHAVIOUR INCLUDES• urinating in a public space,

• litter,

• noise,

• obstruction and disturbing of traffi c and pedestrians,

• hanging of items on fences, wall, balconies and verandas,

• washing vehicles in a public place,

• indecent and offensive behaviour,

• consumption of liquor or being in a state of intoxication in a public space

• dumping and defacing any property.

Qalakabusha: During the launch of the Qalakabusha Programme held at Albert Park, hundreds of people attended to fi nd out what help the City was offering and how they can better their lives.

Nuisance Bylaw now in effectAfter the weekend is done and dusted, we often notice Durban’s beachfront quite literally “littered” with rubbish from papers, alcohol bottles and bad behaviour is a common occurrence.

As part of achieving the 2030 vision of becoming Africa’s most caring and livable City, the Nuisance and Behaviour in Public Places Bylaw is now in effect. The bylaw outlines the various types of prohibited behaviour and the penalties as a result of contravention.

The bylaw was effected on 11 March 2016 and is a long term solution to prevent and stop any nuisance behaviour in the City.

EThekwini Municipality offi cials, including the Metro Police Unit have been trained to enforce this bylaw. A specifi c fi ne is attached to each offence and if the bylaw is not adhered to or the fi ne not paid, the contravener faces the possibly of imprisonment not exceeding two years.

To view the full Nuisance and Behaviour in Public Places bylaw, visit: www.durban.gov.za.

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JESSIE SINGH

THE South Durban Basin (SDB) Area Based Man - agement coordinated a clean-up and enforcement operation targeting the Bluff area on Saturday, 12 September after residents complained that illegal dumping was on the increase in their community. The eThekwini Municipality mobilised its services units, business, education and enforcement agencies to collaborate in the planning and implementation, of a sustainable clean up and went door to door educating residents on Alden Road (Bluff ) about the health and environmental repercussions of dumping in vacant usable land. Speaking on site city official Dumisani Msomi said the clean-

up was successful and praised community members who braved the rain and came out to lend a hand.

“The purpose of the cleanup was to educate residents about taking responsibility of their areas, enforcement of bylaws and to eradicate crime, grime and as well as to address service delivery challenges.

After a full day’s work of clearing out the vacant land the area was soon transformed into its former glory showing off a clean and green open space for the community to enjoy. Preston Moodley from SDB ABM said over 200 bags of refuse was collected including garden and building rubble and some businesses were also guilty of dumping in the area. “We appeal to the residents to be the eyes and ear of the community and report illegal dumping and assist in creating and maintaining a clean environment,’ he said.

NTUZUMA RESIDENTS CLEAN SPORTS FACILITIESKHAYA SENGANI, NOMTHEY MBESA AND PINKY JELE

THE Clean and Maintain My City Campaign was extended to Ntuzuma Township on Saturday, 12 September 2015 where a netball field and a tennis court, which had become an illegal dumping ground, were cleaned.

Afterwards it became a beautiful sports facility which is now safe for children to play. The community has been illegally dumping waste on the facility which made it difficult for the community to play sports. Durban Solid Waste (DSW) Education Officer, Sandile Myende said: “It is disturbing to see our facility slowly becoming a dumping ground. Dumping of waste is a health hazard to the people living around the area. Myende said: “This is a community facility that should be used for the

development of young talent.

The community must guard against illegal dumping especially around sports and recreation facilities.” Dolly Khuzwayo the captain of Tornado Netball team said: “I am cleaning because I want to use the facility since it has

been impossible for our team to compete with teams from other areas due to littering.”

Environmental awareness, cleaning and greening initiatives is what the City is promoting in ensuring that communities live in a clean and safe environment.

The City faces major challenges in respect of general cleanli-ness and maintenance. This spurred on the establishment of the Clean My City programme.

BLUFF CLEAN-UP AND ENFORCEMENT OPERATION

CLEAN-UP FOR MATIKWE, CANALLINDANI NSINDANE AND SPHINDILE MBATHA

MATIKWE’S Ward 3 residents and the University of KwaZulu-Natal community development students came together for a clean-up on Saturday, 8 November 2014, clearing a stream filled with waste. Mbali Mkhize, a community development student, said they participated in the clean-up as part of their contribution to the community. She said: “This is in support of the City’s Clean and Maintain My City campaign, which encourages citizens to clean their areas”. Metro Police, DSW and Parks Recreation and Culture Unit were part of the clean-ups. Meanwhile, the South Durban Basin, Area Based Management (SDB, ABM) team joined forces with the Bluff Ratepayers Association (BRA) to clear litter in the canal that runs through Solomon Mahlangu (Edwin Swales) Road, as well as Clairwood’s Flower Road. Greg Williams Manager in the Stormwater Design Department of the Engi neering Unit said: “We are mproving the capacity of the piped system, particularly under the railway lines where we have had a severely undersized system for years which, by its design, is prone to blockage.” The Municipality urges members of the community to report illegal dumping on 031 311 8804.

A DENSE BUSH BEING CLEARED OUT IN LINDELANI

LINDANI NSINDANE

RESIDENTS of Ward 38 at Lindelani joined thousands of South Africans in heeding the call of President Jacob Zuma to clean South Africa as part of observing Mandela Day on Friday. Durban Solid Waste (DSW) and the community members headed for a bush where illegal dumping was taking place to clear the area. Occasionally, human remains have reportedly been found in the area’s illegal dumping site. Ward 38 residents welcomed the launch of Clean and Maintain My City and expressed their wish that it could be an ongoing programme. This ward has been an example to the INK area as a place where cleanup initiatives really work and show a difference in the community. Ward 38 councillor, Mbuyiselo Sibiya, called on all residents of Lindelani to show love by cleaning the area that they live in, adhere to the refuse collection dates and to always report illegal dumping.

Municipal officials and the community of Bluff tackled filthy areas in the South Durban Basin.

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KEEPING IT CLEAN: Miss Earth SA, semi-fi nalists and eThekwini Municipality cleaned the Green Hub area during National Environmental Week.

Community heeds call to clean their areas.

BEING A RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN

THERE are many things the City can do for its citizens, but it needs the support of citizens.Being a resident in a city carries a degree of personal responsibility. In order to create a liveable environment, residents should act responsibly.

DO NOT LITTER LITTER and rubbish are destructive – it clogs up stormwater drains, causing roads to fl ood; it creates an environmental hazard if it is not bio-degradable; it damages the tourism trade by creating the image of a dirty city; and it is a drain on City resources as the money used to clean up after people could be better spent on service delivery.

HELP CLEAN AND MAINTAIN YOUR

AREA ETHEKWINI Municipality’s Clean my City programme is a long-term multipillar campaign aimed at addressing urban decay, while creating a clean environment and a sustainable City. It takes a concerted effort from all stakeholders to keep a City clean and we must all become ambassadors of our beautiful City. A clean environment leads to a positive attitude and better quality of life.This positive approach attracts investments, which enables growth and job creation.

OBEY BY-LAWS BY-LAWS are designed to allow people to live together in harmony in an urban environment. Barking dogs, parking infringements, fi reworks, inconsiderate driving, illegal building, public nuisance – all of these create irritations that can lead to confl ict, a breakdown in law and order, and an unpleasant environment. Active citizenship is the best way to take control of your surroundings.

MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT: RESIDENTS TAKE THE INITIATIVEROMITA HANUMAN

YOUNGSTERS equipped with DSW refuse bags and gloves, cleaning up. Braving blazing heat, but all done with a happy smile. That’s the picture that you would have seen if you were in the Motala Heights area on Saturday. With the successful launch of the Municipality’s Clean My City Programme, a call to action campaign for all to get involved was heeded by youth from the Seventh Day Adventist Church. The youth group identifi ed Motala Heights as their target. Youth Leader, Smangele Mtshali said as part of Global Youth Day which was on 15 March, they usually visit old age homes and orphanages to spread kindness. This year they decided to conduct a clean-up campaign where youth of all ages could get involved. “We believe that a cleaner City equals a better City. What a great way to show the community that we care by cleaning up their area.” “Motala Heights has land next to the library that is dirty and gives off a foul odour. We decided that we would that area up. We are happy to see that kids are enthusiastic about the cleanliness

of the environment.” Mtshali said that Clean My City is a necessary programme and believes that Durban will see a major difference in the long term. “We are keen to partner with eThekwini to keep our city beautiful.” Four year old Jabari Radebe said, “I want this area to sparkle. We must not litter and we must use the bin. I will tell all my friends to do the same.” MEANWHILE... The community

of KwaMashu C-Section came out in numbers to do their bit for the environment by organising a clean-up campaign led by Cllr. Lucky Mdlalose of Ward 41. They cleaned and cleared up a bush that was a hub of criminal activities. It is now being converted into a community garden so that the land can be used sustainably and ensure food security for residents.

MISS EARTH SA JOINS ‘CLEAN MY CITY CAMPAIGN’

SLINDILE MALULEKA

IN commemoration of the National Environment Week, Miss Earth South Africa visited the shores of Durban to participate in the Clean and Maintain My City programme. Ashanti Mbanga, Miss Earth 2013 and semi-fi nalists for Miss Earth 2014 and other NGOs cleaned up the Green Hub at the Blue Lagoon. Head of International Government Relations, Eric Apelgren said the campaign promoted a clean and

sustainable City. “Durban is a coastal City and when it comes to climate change, we are under threat. If we do not protect our environment the sea levels will rise. The quality of life and water will deteriorate and we will have unpredicted fl oods,” he said. The campaign was launched by Mayor James Nxumalo earlier this year with the aim of getting citizens involved in keeping the City clean and well-maintained. Ella Bella,

United Nations Ambassador said the Green Hub was identifi ed for the clean-up because Miss Earth wanted to add to the objectives of the project. “We are cleaning up litter and we are claiming our natural spaces back,” she said. Miss Earth SA is an empowerment programme that aims to give women environmental education. It is also described as a leadership programme that develops environmental ambassadors.

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KEEPING OUR SPACES CLEAN SHOULD TOP OUR RESOLUTIONS

ROMITA HANUMAN

AS PART of your new year’s resolutions, as a proud Durbanite, you may have considered taking ownership of your surroundings. If not, you need to add it to your long-term goals to ensure a safer and cleaner City that is free of crime and grime. How effective

CLEAN-UP DRIVE: The Municipality has ventured out into all parts of the City to help communities rid their areas of grime.

A dense bush being cleared out in Lindelani was one of the many community-led initiatives under the umbrella of Clean and Maintain my City.

• Integration in approaching issues of service delivery;

• Albert Park social intervention programme;

• Other clean-ups taking place outside the 6 x Zones, such as Folweni Clean and Maintain my Ward (135 volunteers);

• Partnership with the Post Office;

• Recent planned intensive engagement with traders by Business Support, Tourism and Markets Unit;

• Inner City Regeneration/ Urban Renewal;

• Use of CCTV as an important surveillance tool;

• A total of 150 suspect buildings tackled and successfully prosecuted five building owners;

• Food for waste programme in areas like Wentworth/Merebank;

• Qalakabusha Intervention programme, an integrated approach which seeks to help drug addicts by rehabilitating and reuniting them with their families;

• Clean my School programme.

COMMUNITY HEEDS CALL TO CLEAN THEIR AREAS

LINDANI NSINDANE

RESIDENTS of Ward 38 at Lindelani joined thousands of South Africans in heeding the call of President Jacob Zuma to clean South Africa as part of observing Mandela Day on Friday.

Durban Solid Waste (DSW ) and the community members headed for a bush where illegal dumping was taking place to clear the area. Occasionally, human remains have reportedly been found in the area’s illegal dumping site.

Ward 38 residents welcomed the launch of Clean and Maintain My City and expressed their wish that it could be an ongoing programme. This ward has been an example to the INK area as a place where clean-up initiatives really work and show a difference in the community.

Ward 38 councillor, Mbuyiselo Sibiya, called on all residents of Lindelani to show love by cleaning the area that they live in, adhere to the refuse collection dates and to always report illegal dumping.

has the Municipality’s Clean and Maintain my City programme been since its inception? Launched in March last year, the aim was to co-ordinate efforts and build partnerships to ensure the cleanliness of the City. Many areas of concern were identifi ed. They include illegal dumping, by-law

enforcement, illegal trading and others. Durban Solid Waste Operations Manager Simon Nyawo said that the programme had been well received by residents. He said: “There are number of areas which have seen tremendous improvement since the introduction of the

programme. Every week there are two or more wards engaged in clean-up activities.” Stakeholder relationships have been one of the positives of the campaign. There have been many community-led clean-up operations. Stakeholders such as the South African Post Office and the Durban University of Technology have taken the baton forward and committed themselves to improving the image of the City by keeping it clean. Metrorail is another external stakeholder that has formed partnerships with a launch of Clean And Main tain My Railway Station, which included awareness campaigns at various train stations as well as clean ups. Nyawo added: “Officials

have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the campaign, while stakeholders have started creating relationships and partnerships with Council offi cials, something which was at a very low level prior to the commencement of the campaign.” The year 2015 will see the Municipality venturing into other parts of the Municipality as well as paying more attention to neighbouring towns such as Pinetown, Isipingo, Clairwood and Verulam. “We are committed to make every effort to improve the integration and work in synergy with all departments.”

CLEAN AND MAINTAIN MY CITY DRIVE PROUDLY BOASTS MANY HIGHLIGHTS

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WIN with Clean My City!Tell us how you plan to keep your areas clean and you stand a chance to win a Clean My City hamper!

Post your entry to PO Box 5588, Durban 4000 or drop off your entry at Rennie House, 41 Margaret Mncadi Avenue, Durban. The closing date is 30 June 2016.

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