Bitou’s illegal dumping sites soon to become community gardens
A project sponsored by Bitou Municipality to turn illegal dumping sites into community gardens, was launched in KwaNokuthula on Friday, October 16.
Going green: At the bunch of a project to turn illegal dumping sites into the community, gardens were, from left Noloyiso Godla, Noluthando Nolokwe, Yolanda Xawuka and Sinazo Ngxwashula – all members of the Environmental Protection and Infrastructure Programme
The launch event at a dumpsite in an open field close to the community hall was attended by Working for the Coast Western Cape manager. Khanya Mabandla.
Bitou Municipality was represented by its Waste Management manager Douglas Baartman and Communications manager Andile Namntu, among others, joined by several KwaNokuthula residents.
The formal business of the day, which included a number of short speeches was chaired by Bitou s man in charge of education and awareness waste management Mthobeli Galeni. He thanked the municipality for its enthusiasm and involvement in an endeavour that will certainly be of great help to many communities in Plett.
Added Mabandla: “An additional benefit of the project is that it will stop pollution entering drains, watercourses and rivers.”
Baartman stated that, at present, it cost the municipality R4.2-million per annum to clean up illegal dumpsites. “We must start a war on waste,” he advised those in attendance. Namntu reminded everyone to appreciate that “it starts with us”. He added: “We must look after our surrounds and our communities. We must be pioneers in this field and make our town beautiful.”
Waste not, Want not: Bitou Environmental Management officer Anje Taljaard, left, with Waste Management Procurement officer Juan Windvogel at the launch
Bitou Environmental Management officer Anje Taljaard urged communities must take ownership of public places. “You must treat the environment as if it is your home. When the environment is sick, we get sick.” She concluded by encouraging the sorting and recycling of waste at home.
Earth-moving equipment for site clearance is being made available by Bitou Municipality, who will also provide compost and vegetable seeds to teams of 10-12 residents determined to make a success of the exercise.
The objective is for the community gardens to grow and nurture fresh produce from garden to table and so provide food for soup kitchens, families in need, and related worthy causes.
At the conclusion of the official proceedings, work began on clearing dumped waste and loading it onto a tipper truck, so that planting out of the gardens can now start in earnest.
Source: CX-press News