Nelson Mandela Bay is taking a stand against illegal dumping and environmental neglect

By Joseph Chirume

Qgeberha

Bewildered residents of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality have not believed their eyes after the Municipality rolled out a massive clean-up operation of illegal dumping sites and storm water drains in all areas. The operation was rolled out a few weeks ago.

Residents have every reason to be paranoid because the Municipality has an appalling history of leaving them in the lurch for long periods of time while playing service delivery second fiddle.

This administrative paralysis has always resulted in several dumping sites, alleys and storm water drains left to accumulate garbage for long periods of time, creating an eyesore as well as fostering conditions for the breeding of rodents, mosquitoes, snakes and other disease carrying creatures.

It is sad to learn that NMB, which used to be a magnet for tourists and an investment flagship for the Eastern Cape Province has lost that allure in the eyes of the people.

However, if the current massive clean-up operation continues uninterrupted, there’s every reason for residents to breathe a deep sigh of relief.

“It seems there’s a reshaping and rejuvenation revolution taking place at the City Hall. We have never experienced such consistent clean-ups before. Let’s hope this is not a political campaigning tool as the 2026 local government elections are around the corner. Anyway, if elections bring hope and better environments, let them be held every year,” said a concerned resident who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The resident said they were fed up with sights of rotting garbage that had become part of their lives adding that sharing the same environments with rodents, dogs, mosquitos and other scavengers had become a norm.

Executive Mayor, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe said in a statement, “Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is taking a stand against illegal dumping and environmental neglect. This campaign focuses on targeted monthly interventions, tackling urgent service delivery issues, rehabilitating the environment, and raising community awareness about proper waste management.

“Community involvement is central to the campaign. Residents are being educated about the dangers of illegal dumping and how to prevent it.”

Under the title, “Understanding the Waste Management Hierarchy: Why It Matters to You.”

Cllr Lobishe said, “This hierarchy is more than just a list – it’s a guide to help residents of Nelson Mandela Bay and the broader Eastern Cape reduce our environmental footprint and build cleaner, healthier communities.”

The hierarchy entails;

1. Avoidance – By choosing products with less packaging or buying in bulk, residents can save money and reduce the waste entering their homes.
2. Reduce – Using water wisely, buying durable goods, and avoiding single-use items helps households cut costs and conserve resources.
3. Re-use – Repurposing containers or donating used items keeps waste out of landfills and supports local charities and small businesses.
4. Recycle – Separating recyclables at home reduces pressure on our waste system and creates local jobs in the recycling economy.
5. Compost – Composting food and garden waste at home or using municipal composting options improves soil quality, supports urban farming, and reduces methane emissions.
6. Disposal – Landfilling is the most expensive and harmful option. When residents follow the first five steps, we all benefit from lower municipal costs and a healthier environment.

Mayor Lobishe concluded by saying, “Every household’s choice adds up to a cleaner city, better services, and a more sustainable future for our children,” adding that the work forms part of the Public Health Directorate’s top service delivery priorities because a clean metro means safer, more dignified communities for all residents.

Residents are urged to report any illegal dumping by calling the toll-free number: 0800 20 50 50 or 041 506 2833.