The purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness and educate the community members on waste management. The Fort Beaufort community face serious challenges with regards to lack of proper waste management around the area, as evident on the extent of litter, and illegal dumping that poses serious health effects.

Litter and illegal dumping are some of the most common problems in South Africa affecting all provinces alike irrespective of the size and extent of the area. The main source of litter is pedestrian or individual litter. This encompasses litter dropped by people whilst walking or driving in the Council area. Litter can also originate from waste collection or storage areas.

The Department, through its Environmental Protection and Infrastructure Programme (EPIP), has funded five projects in the area of Nkonkobe Local Municipality using labour intensive methods as per the requirements of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). The objective thereof is ensuring that whilst addressing the challenge of environmental degradation, job creation, small business development and skills development opportunities are created.

The project is implemented with the Youth Jobs in Waste programme initiative which aims at addressing youth unemployment in our country, in a sustainable manner.

Source: Department of Environmental Affairs