Latest news with #ThaboMoroane
The Citizen
4 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Calls grow for better waste solutions in Ward 98 communities
Leaders in Ward 98 have shared that much more needs to be done to address the root causes of littering. This, as illegal dumping and the lack of accessible landfill sites remain obstacles towards a cleaner and healthier community. While recent initiatives such as the rollout of new household bins have brought relief to residents, the local leaders are calling for reform in the waste sector to ensure a cleaner society. Ward 98 committee member for the Environment and Agriculture portfolio, Thabo Moroane, said the recent bin delivery campaign was based on the understanding that many bins are either damaged beyond repair or stolen. 'The decision to roll out was based on the premise that bins get damaged or stolen. But household bins alone cannot solve littering across our ward. We need concrete bins on every corner of our streets,' he said. 'The issue of illegal dumping remains an elephant in the room and, importantly, the scarcity of landfills. We need sustainable solutions that give residents legal, convenient ways to dispose of their waste,' he explained. While many residents have welcomed the new bins, Moroane stressed that a clean ward is a shared responsibility. 'It will have an impact in the long run because not only do we bring services to the doorstep, but we also deliver a message about the fundamentals of no littering. 'We also drive home the importance of taking ownership of our ward, in particular to our youth and children,' he said. For Moroane, the problem is not just about waste management infrastructure, but also education. He said that through community clean-up initiatives and outreach programmes at schools and churches, residents can educate their children, especially those at primary school, about the importance of a clean environment. Residents said the challenges are visible in everyday life. Ellen Masemola of Hesteapark said illegal dumping has become worse over the past few years. Masemola added that they've seen people dumping in open spaces, and that's frustrating, because they try to keep the area clean, but all it takes is one person to ruin it for everyone. 'If the municipality could give us more accessible dumping sites or bins, people might stop doing it.' Moroane has also raised concern about the difference in cleanliness across the ward. 'I have benchmarked Sinoville and Pretoria East in terms of their environmental cleanliness and their obsession with fighting illegal dumping. 'Within Ward 98, there are community areas that are clean and well-maintained, while large parts continue to degrade. It can't be correct. 'The cleanliness you see when you enter Ninapark must be the same when you enter Eldorette or Hesteapark,' he said. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Clean-up drive in Theresapark revives community spirit and public spaces in Ward 98
Clean-up drive in Theresapark revives community spirit and public spaces in Ward 98 The recent grass-cutting and clean-up initiative in Oribi, Theresapark, is more than just a maintenance project. Spearheaded by Thabo Moroane, the newly appointed Ward 98 committee member for the Environmental and Agricultural Portfolio, the effort has helped restore dignity, safety, and pride to a neighbourhood that had been battling neglect. After months of overgrown grass turning once-vibrant public spaces into eyesores, the intervention came as a welcome relief. Residents' growing frustration and environmental concerns prompted Moroane to conduct an official environmental assessment. The results led to a call to action that was met with prompt response from the Tshwane metro. 'A tractor was dispatched just days after the request was submitted. 'It's encouraging to see such swift action from the municipality, especially when it directly addresses the concerns of our community.' But while the initial phase of grass cutting was successfully executed, Moroane stressed that the work is not done. He is now pushing for the municipality to remove the cut grass and attend to cleaning pavements and public cabs, which are the essential steps to complete the clean-up process and prevent the build-up of further waste. 'These collaborative efforts show what we can achieve when the community and the metro work together. But sustainable impact requires follow-through,' he said. Unkempt public areas don't just affect the aesthetics of a community, they also pose real dangers. Overgrown grass can become a breeding ground for pests, contribute to littering, and even provide cover for criminal activities. Moroane believes that clean, well-maintained spaces play a crucial role in preventing crime and improving residents' quality of life. 'By maintaining our public spaces, we reduce crime hotspots, promote public health, and foster a stronger sense of community ownership,' he said. Since the intervention began, Ward 98 has seen a noticeable increase in resident participation and reporting of neglected spaces. Moroane attributed this to renewed confidence that their voices are being heard. 'We have seen more people stepping up, reporting issues, and even volunteering in clean-up efforts. It's a sign that people are regaining trust in the system and taking pride in their surroundings again,' he said. For residents who still doubt the effectiveness of reporting issues, Moroane offered reassurance. 'I understand the frustration. But we're working hard to change that narrative. Every report is logged, tracked, and followed up. Communication and transparency are central to how we operate.' The clean-up campaign is just one part of Moroane's broader environmental agenda for Ward 98. He is currently addressing other persistent challenges such as illegal dumping, stormwater drain blockages, and pollution. 'These issues require a multi-faceted approach. 'We are launching community awareness campaigns, initiating more clean-up drives, and working closely with the municipality to improve waste management and infrastructure maintenance.' Residents are encouraged to continue reporting problem areas using municipal systems or by forwarding reference numbers directly to Moroane. Whether by WhatsApp, email, or formal reporting platforms, every complaint helps shape a cleaner, safer Ward 98. 'The people of this ward deserve well-maintained spaces. And with their continued participation, we can achieve lasting change,' he concluded. ALSO READ: Park rehabilitation stalls as squatters cause delays Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
