By Selloane Ntshonyane
- The KleenaJoburg 100 Spots campaign will clear illegal dumping sites with help from Pikitup, local vendors, residents and law enforcement.
- The goal is to clean up areas near homes and schools, and turn them into parks, gyms and business spaces.
Johannesburg is getting a major clean-up. Mayor Dada Morero has launched the KleenaJoburg 100 Spots campaign to remove illegal dumping sites and restore public spaces.
The campaign kicked off on Tuesday, 3 June, at Senaone Park in Soweto. This was once a dumping site but has been transformed into a park and outdoor gym.
Morero said the city plans to clean 100 sites with help from Pikitup, municipal departments, street vendors, law enforcement and residents.
“We will clean these dumping sites and also create space for businesses and let young people and women make use of these spaces,” said Morero.
He called on the public to stop dumping waste in open areas and to help keep parks clean.
“These illegal dumping areas are found near homes, schools and public spaces, where people live, play and raise their children,” said Mthunzi Mbuyisa, a resident of White City.
He said they want to see Soweto free from rubbish, with no dumping site in sight.
The mayor said one reason dumping continues is that waste is not collected often enough. He promised to work out a better plan for more frequent rubbish collection.
The campaign aims to improve public health, restore pride in communities, and open up new opportunities for local businesses and youth.
Pictured above: A former dumping site in Soweto turned into a park and gym.
Image source: City of Johannesburg
