THE Municipality has committed to cleaning up and transforming the face of KwaZakhele’s economic hub, Njoli Square.
As part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s major clean-up, the metro will deliver a new waste-keeping container, install baiting stations and hand over working tools to the informal traders in the area.
This commitment was made during an education and awareness engagement hosted by the Municipality at the Njoli Taxi Rank on Wednesday, April 19.
The clean-up programme started on Monday, April 17, and will continue until Thursday, April 20. NMBM Public Health, Mayoral Committee Member, Cllr Thsonono Buyeye said, “The partnership between the Municipality, the Taxi Industry and informal traders is aimed at implementing environmentally sustainable solutions that will benefit the area”.
“We have committed our resources to clean up this area during this week and we already see a difference. However, we do not want to return next month talking about the same problems hence as part of the solution, a big container will be delivered this week with plastic bags for the informal traders to use to manage their waste. Our sister Directorate, Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture has committed that new cooler boxes and tablecloths will be delivered to improve how our traders operate.”
“We will be placing baiting stations around the taxi rank as we have noted the challenge of rats in the area. This is just the beginning of the work we will be conducting in Njoli Square in an effort to ensure that the lives of the people who use this important centre in our Metro are safe and hygienic. The issue of living in a clean environment is our shared responsibility. We are calling on the Taxi Industry to be the trusted industry we all know and fight this illegal dumping crisis with us. Residents must refrain from illegal dumping because waste is collected in all areas according to the schedule, there is no excuse to dump waste in our Metro,” said MMC Buyeye.
The MMC was joined by Ward 22 Councillor, Monwabisi Jakuja who also pleaded with residents to guard the area jealously.
Informal trader, Nondumiso Jubisa said she was happy about the new developments.
“We really hope that the promises made here today will be fulfilled, we are happy to see the Municipality, especially to see work being done. We have been complaining about the state of Njoli for some time now and have seen other places being developed. We have made a commitment to play our part and keep the area clean,” Jubisa said.
The programme will be implemented in other areas faced with similar challenges across the Metro.
Residents are urged to report illegal dumping to 041 506 2833 during working hours, and 0800 20 5050 after working hours.
Issued by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Communications Office.
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