The DA applauds the efforts of the Multi-Party Coalition to accelerate the Cleaning and Maintenance of Parks and Cemeteries within the City of Ekurhuleni

By Cllr. Robert Makgaila — DA Member of Environment and Waste Management Oversight in Ekurhuleni

Date: 2 March 2023

Release: Immediate

Type: Media statement

The DA in Ekurhuleni would like to applaud the work done by the Multi-Party Coalition Government the MMC for Environment and Waste Management Services, Cllr. Brandon Pretorius on the acceleration of cleaning and maintenance efforts to cemeteries and parks within the City of Ekurhuleni.

Residents have expressed their frustration with the City regarding the state of parks and cemeteries, specifically with the long-overgrown grass, weeds, illegal dumping, vandalism, and the general state of decay. With the cost-containment measures currently in place across the City, grass and maintenance were performed regularly, however, subject to budget availability. With the long-awaited adjustment budget being passed in the recent Council Meeting, residents will finally be able to experience a cleaner city, with grass being cut, more especially in the inner city areas and townships.

In the interim, we would like to call on communities who reside around these parks and cemeteries to take care of them by reporting acts of vandalism and refraining from illegal dumping. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our parks and cemeteries are protected and well taken care of. Communities should engage with the ward councillors and PR councillors alike, and the Department of Waste Management Services, should they require any intervention to assist with illegal dumping around these areas.

The DA members of the Environment and Waste Management Services Oversight Committee will engage with the MMC and the relevant divisional heads to ensure that plans are developed to deal with the challenges of vandalism and illegal dumping in and around our cemeteries and recreational spaces. We will also be conducting site visits to inspect the state of cemeteries across the City to ensure that targeted interventions are put in place to protect the dignity of our loved ones who have been laid to rest there.

Cllr. Robert Makgaila

DA Member of Environment and Waste Management Oversight in Ekurhuleni

079 643 1658