EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba launched the Spring Clean-Up Campaign on 6 September on David Webster Street in the central business district.

ETHEKWINI Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba has encouraged communities to work with the City to keep their surroundings clean to help make Durban an attractive tourism destination. Speaking at the Spring Clean-Up Campaign launch on David Webster Street in the central business district on 6 September, Mayor Xaba said there has been a noticeable improvement in cleanliness in the City.

This has been through the dedication of the Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit’s staff and other initiatives which include the Inner-City Regeneration Programme and Operation Good Hope. He emphasised that cleaning the City required a collective effort. “We call upon all our social partners including business, civil society, and communities to play their part because keeping the City clean is a collective responsibility,” elaborated Mayor Xaba. The cleaning campaign aims to bring about behavioural SAchange among residents and businesses regarding proper waste disposal.

Mayor Xaba added that the launch of the campaign was a catalyst for a city-wide clean-up programme that will take place during September, nationally commemorated as Clean-up Month. The campaign aims to promote a clean and healthy environment for eThekwini communities. Speaking of mid and long-term programmes to address challenges in the inner-city, Mayor Xaba said: “Currently, we are implementing plans to deal with problem buildings and improving the safety of residents. The Metro Police has been tasked to deal decisively with crime and grime in the City. We have also made it clear that they must declare zero tolerance on those who are flouting our by-laws.” He committed that the City leadership will continue to work diligently to ensure that the City remains clean. However, he reminded the public that they must play their part to maintain cleanliness.