Cleaning and greening project launched in Mthatha

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Pretoria - Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Buyelwa Sonjica will on Thursday launch a cleaning and greening pilot project in Mthatha.

The project forms part of the Eco Towns Pilot Project Buyisela and will, amongst other things, focus on cleaning, greening, waste management and river rehabilitation.

The Eco Town programme has arisen from the commitment made by the minister at the Municipal Indaba on Environment held earlier this year to create cleaner and greener towns.

Buyisela is aimed at cleaning and greening the environment while creating employment opportunities and also supporting municipalities' Local Economic Development programmes.

The Mthatha initiative is a partnership between the Departments of Environmental Affairs, Water Affairs, the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality, Indalo Yethu and Buyisa e-bag.

It is envisaged that a pilot project will take place in each province and this will serve as the framework blueprint for other townships and villages to follow.

During the Municipal Indaba, Sonjica said the department would intensify clean-up campaigns in collaboration with partners like Indalo Yethu and Buyisa e-Bag which aim to heighten awareness in the communities about the benefits of a clean environment.

During this year's Mandela Day, the department committed to plant 46664 trees between July 2009 and 18 June 2010.

During the launch on Thursday, Sonjica will be joined by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Sicelo Shiceka and Eastern Cape Premier Noxolo Kiviet, amongst others.