Refuse collection
points opened
By Tabisa Mntengwana
20 November 2008
AS part of the celebrations of the 10-year partnership between Buffalo City and the Dutch city of Leiden, more than 10 refuse collection points were officially opened for use at Duncan Village on Wednesday, 19 November.
The relationship between the municipality and Leiden began in 1998, and has boomed over the years with various projects brought by the Dutch, including learnerships, internships and study tours.
Funded by Leiden, the refuse collection points were initiated in 2007 when a Dutch delegation visited Duncan Village. The visitors thought the refuse gathering in the area was not healthy.
“We observed the situation in the area and we started cleaning up using big black bags to collect the waste,” said Jaap Coorens, the waste management project representative.
The piles of litter led to a number of unattractive problems. “This is due to a lack of control in such areas and has an impact on the environment.”
Held at Mbashe Street, the launch began with a welcome from the ward councillor, Mxolisi Qebeyi. In Dutch, he said, “We welcome our Dutch friends who have come to our country to rescue our destitute communities.”
Another ward councillor, Shirley Lotsha, added that the project would not have begun if it were not for the dedication of the sponsors, the municipal officials and the community of Duncan Village.
The collection points are intended to encourage people to adopt a habit of waste management by promoting public awareness about reducing illegal dumping and littering. Thanking the Dutch group, Lotsha said: “We are proud of what you have done in our community. From now on we will have clean streets and no more illegal dumping areas.
“This will encourage the community to love and take care of their streets and the environment.”
Members of the community came out in support of the initiative. “I wanted to see this myself. I’ve been looking forward to seeing the people who have helped us make Duncan Village a safe and healthy place to live in,” said one resident, Nosakhele Faku.
The day culminated with a speech by the deputy mayor of Leiden, Jan-Jaap de Haan, when he officially handed over the refuse collection points to the people of Duncan Village. “These are your points you need to look after them and use them properly,” he said.
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