The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has launched its “War on Illegal Dumping” campaign through which they aim to eradicate illegal dump sites and maintain cleanliness in public spaces.

Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, KZN’s CoGTA MEC, launched the programme on Monday. She said the campaign, which will be implemented across 10 municipalities in the province, will create employment for 450 people for 12 months through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

Participating municipalities include the eThekwini Metropolitan, Greater Kokstad Local Municipality, Msunduzi Local Municipality, Alfred Duma Local Municipality, Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality, eNdumeni Local Municipality, Newcastle Local Municipality, KwaDukuza Local Municipality, Abaqulusi Local Municipality and uMhlathuze Local Municipality.

The launch of the programme kicked off with a massive clean-up and the eradication of two dump sites in the Amaoti Township, neighbouring Phoenix, north of Durban. The MEC, along with mayors of the participating municipalities, also issued contracts to the newly recruited EPWP workers.

Speaking at the launch, Ms Sithole-Moloi said each municipality would be supported with 40 EPWP workers, with the eThekwini Metro being allocated 100 workers. The department has allocated a budget of R10 million through the EPWP to facilitate this initiative.

“The budget will cover stipends for all participants and provide necessary tools and personal protective equipment (PPE). Our primary goal is to eliminate illegal dump sites and transform them into community gardens and recreational areas,” said Ms Sithole-Moloi.

“We have identified various areas within these municipalities, including townships and locations near schools, hospitals, and sports facilities and we will closely monitor progress and consider extending this initiative for another 12 months if needed to achieve our desired outcomes.”

The MEC urged municipalities to support the campaign by providing essential assistance and tools, including waste bins and removal services. Ms Sithole-Moloi also underscored the vital role played by communities in adhering to municipal by-laws and regulations.

“We are committed to enhancing our communities, as the consequences of illegal dumping are severe, impacting our rivers and oceans, posing a threat to marine life. Also, illegal dumping blocks drainage systems, leading to flooding. Therefore, this initiative aims to address all those issues,” Ms Sithole-Moloi said.

All 450 participants have already commenced with their duties, she added.

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