EThekwini Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, deputy mayor Philani Mavundla, Durban artists, the business community and residents rolled up their sleeves as they embarked on the city’s newly launched Spring Clean-Up Campaign with the aim of keeping Durban beautiful. The clean-up campaign which started at the King Dinuzulu Park was held on Thursday, 8 September
Kaunda said that it was interesting to see more people taking a keen interest in the campaign. “Clean cities around the world are known to attract more visitors. This in turn unlocks trading and economic opportunities. However, behavioural change is key to the success of the campaign,” he said. Kaunda added that with the rainy season approaching, blocked drains are the main reason for flooding that occurs in Durban. “History has taught us that water-logging in the City happens because of blocked stormwater systems caused by litter and foreign objects in the system. With this campaign, we are working around the clock to unblock the drainage system to prevent flooding,” he said.
Mavundla said that he was pleased that the first leg of the campaign was a success. “This leg of the city-wide clean-up campaign formed part of our cluster’s human settlements on Thursdays initiative famously known as #HSIThursday. This is our standing programme aimed at actively driving service delivery by departments within our cluster. “As the City, we need to promote cleaner environment and protect it so that our children grow up in a conducive environment. We are planning to retain this programme on a quarterly bases in order to remain fully engaged with our people and to promote the spirit of keeping our city clean and inviting to visitors,” said Mavundla.
He thanked Durban artists who joined the campaign and entertained the crowds. He said the positive economic spin offs of such campaigns on the tourism and recreational economy of the city are what inspired the artists to participate without any form of remuneration or financial compensation. “I am pleased that this campaign was a huge success and equally would like to thank DJ Tira, whom when I approached him with this idea was receptive to it and gave us his full support. He went over and beyond by inviting other local artists who came on board as goodwill ambassadors for the campaign and in the spirit of giving back to their beloved city through promoting cleanliness and raising awareness about taking care of the environment,” he said. Sibahle Dlamini, student at the Durban University of Technology and member of the Green Campus Initiative (GCI) said that it is important for the youth to take part in such initiatives. “As the youth, we need to be on the frontline of such initiatives. I would like to encourage students to take care of the environment and protect it so that it is safe for everyone to live in,” said Dlamini.
Meanwhile, North Beach residents held a clean up at Carpendale Park on Saturday, 10 September. The clean up came after complaints were received about the safety and hygiene at the park. Rookaya Vawda, a North Beach resident said that after repeated attempts to get the parks department to clean up yielded no results, they decided to take matters into their own hands. “There was litter, alcohol bottles and food thrown in the park. A clean-up was initiated and the community asked to participate. A group of concerned residents participated by picking up litter and raking up leaves. The area zone management also came on board and assisted,” said Rookaya.
