City of Joburg Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Health and Social Development Dr. Mpho Phalatsi alluded that Environmental Health as the first line of contact by government with the communities and cleanliness should be encouraged.
MMC Phalatsi was speaking during the Environmental Health drive by the city held last Tuesday in Rabie Ridge, North of Johannesburg.
She said, "We are told as the city that illegal dumping, rats and noise pollution are a serious challenge for residents. Thus, we are here today to share information on how to deal with these challenges which is to report them to our local city offices".
CoJ is doing this operation as part of the City's "Are sebetseng" program, a Sesotho word for let's work, which takes place once in the second week of the month where the City mobilises different communities within the City not to litter, but to keep the environment safe and clean.
"We do this as part of the awareness on environmental health issues on how to preserve our environment and while partnering with our communities to check progress to date. As the municipality, we are also strengthening fines on litter offenders around the city".
MMC further urged the community not to litter by convincing themselves that, keeping the environment clean, is Pikitup's responsibility.