The North West Provincial government through the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) has partnered with Mahikeng Local Municipality with the intention of improving waste management in Mahikeng area. This was a political directive from the Executive Council of the
province on the state of Mafikeng as capital city of the Province.

In addressing this, a Steering Committee comprising of DEDECT; Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs; Department of Environmental Affairs and Public Works, Roads and Transport; Mafikeng Local Municipality; Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality was established and endorsed by the EXCO.

The said committee has developed a detailed business plan outlining activities on the implementation throughout the year to reclaim the clean status of Mahikeng. The programme includes awareness campaigns; development of waste transfer stations and enforcement of the by-laws.

During the tabling of her Departmental Budget speech for 2013/14 recently, MEC Rosho indicated that her Department has developed a waste management business plan that shall focus on improved refuse removal services by the Municipality, environmental education and awareness programmes in order to foster change in behaviour that lead to indiscriminate dumping of waste at the street corners and open spaces.

“We will embark on a 12 months Learnership Programme on waste management to increase knowledge and capacity to fight poor waste management practices in Mahikeng area. The beneficiaries are intended to craft a career path into the Waste Management Sector”, said MEC Rosho.

The Department together with municipality will be embarking on a cleanup campaign on the 5th June 2013 at Mahikeng Central Business District (CBD), Zeerust and
Lichtenburg entrances and information on the by-laws will be distributed to members of the community inclusive of the hawkers.

The community members are encouraged to partner with provincial government in keeping the town clean.

Rosho indicated that immediately after the clean-up campaign her Department together with municipality will take necessary enforcement actions against perpetrators who illegally dump waste in town.

Issued by: Communication Directorate
Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism

Enquiries:
Ms Dumisa Seshabela
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 079 522 7373
dseshabela@nwpg.gov.za