By Joseph Chirume
Qgeberha
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s battle with illegal dumping is well documented and cannot escape the probing eyes of visitors. Despite widespread community awareness campaigns by officials, including putting boots on the ground, illegal dumping remains a scourge.
In its effort to address the problem, the Municipality recently signed a partnership agreement with the Nelson Mandela Business Chamber to assist in fighting the scourge of illegal dumping.
The newly established partnership with the Business Chamber has been hailed as the best response to curb illegal dumping. This will also see the rolling out of 24- hour cameras to record real-time activities around premises of participating businesses.
Executive Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe has described the partnership with the Business Chamber as a direct outcome of sustained efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships that serve Nelson Mandela Bay residents.
The Executive Mayor disclosed that the Municipality already works closely with the Business Chamber on critical priorities such as drought mitigation and combating vandalism and emphasised that this latest initiative further advances a shared commitment to sustainable development. She added that the gesture is both timely and deeply appreciated.
“To attract investment and create jobs, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality continues to prioritise creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, with cleanliness and environmental sustainability identified as critical elements”. This was emphasised by Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Health, Councillor Thsonono Buyeye, during an oversight visit to an illegal dumping site in New Brighton.
The purpose of the visit was to welcome a partnership from member companies of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, who have committed to jointly clearing and cleaning an illegal dumping site located in an industrial area between New Brighton and Sydenham.
In terms of the partnership, the businesses, most of which operate in the area, will clear the site and install cameras within their premises to monitor and prevent further illegal dumping.
The companies will also work with the Municipality on awareness campaigns aimed at curbing illegal dumping.
Addressing the business representatives and the Chamber, MMC Buyeye described the partnership with the private sector as an encouraging boost in the fight against illegal dumping.
“I would like to thank the Business Chamber for this gesture of goodwill. This confirms that, by working together, as partners, we can secure the future of Nelson Mandela Bay. Illegal dumping remains a significant challenge, and while the Municipality has mobilised resources, the scale of the problem requires collaborative partnerships between government, the private sector, residents and civil society. Collaboration with businesses that operate in our communities is therefore a major boost. Creating environmentally sustainable livelihoods, including in industrial areas, remains a key strategic focus for our Metro,” added MMC Buyeye.
Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber Chief Executive Officer, Denise van Huyssteen, said, “Today’s clean-up initiative is a clear demonstration of the impact of collaboration in tackling the persistent challenge of illegal dumping in the metro. It reinforces that if we are serious about retaining investment, supporting economic growth and restoring civic pride, we must work together, move beyond discussion, and focus on implementation. We welcome partnerships as a positive example of what can be achieved when business and government work together with a shared sense of purpose. We extend our sincere thanks to McDesigns, Continental Tyre South Africa and Eveready for taking the initiative to move this project forward.”
