CLEANING AND GREENING CAMPAIGN CHANGING THE PICTURE OF NMB

Before the launch of the campaign, the municipality faced serious challenges, including illegal dumping, vandalism of public infrastructure, sewage and water overflows, and overgrown vegetation.

The campaign was designed to focus on one or two wards each month, tackling urgent service delivery issues through coordinated municipal efforts. At its core, the initiative promotes environmental rehabilitation, beautification, and increased awareness around responsible environmental management.

Significant progress has already been made. Large illegal dumping sites - some of which had blocked roads - have been cleared. Overgrown vegetation has been trimmed, and Water and Sanitation teams have repaired burst pipes, fixed leaks, and unblocked drains.

Illegal dumping has been removed in wards that include Veeplaas, Zwide, Soweto-on-Sea, Kwazakhele, and New Brighton (formerly known as Ibhayi). The campaign in these areas runs from August through the end of November 2025. From September, efforts expanded to the Northern Areas, covering Helenvale, Gelvandale, Kleinskool, Chatty, and Booysens Park.

Clean-up operations will continue in Kariega and Despatch starting in November 2025. Consultations are currently underway with councillors from the Alex Matikinca Cluster, which includes the entire Motherwell area before a launch date is confirmed there.

Community engagement has been a central pillar of the campaign. Outreach initiatives have informed residents about the dangers of illegal dumping, how to prevent it, and how to report it. The educational component has also reached schools, with Funimfundo Primary, Esitiyeni Primary, and Mzihlophe Primary Schools already participating.

Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe expressed her satisfaction with the campaign's progress. "The grim image of the Metro caused by illegal dumping and infrastructure challenges is beginning to change. In the areas we've reached, residents are already experiencing an improvement in their environment. Our work from physical clean-ups to infrastructure refurbishment is followed by community engagements to ensure long term sustainability, with residents as our partners," said Mayor Lobishe.

The campaign also aims to restore dignity to communities by addressing sanitation issues and stormwater blockages, ensuring integrated and responsive service delivery.

MMC for Public Health, Thsonono Buyeye, said the response from communities has been encouraging.

"The feedback we're receiving confirms that this campaign is having a real impact. The Public Health Directorate remains committed to implementing people-centred service delivery programmes," he said.