The Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, led a #SpringCleanCT activation this week in Bellville CBD as part of the City’s campaign for a cleaner Cape Town, with a focus on business nodes.

 Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste, Alderman Grant Twigg, staff from the Economic Growth Directorate, and a team from the Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP) also sprang into action. Cleaning materials for the activation were kindly donated by USABCO, a Bellville-based company best known for the Addis range of products.

‘The City has stepped up to the challenge by putting 300 more boots on the ground to clean littering hotspots. But it’s also up to each and every one of us to do our part in creating a cleaner Cape Town. I would especially like to encourage local businesses to get involved in the #SpringCleanCT campaign,’ said Alderman Vos.

‘At present, several key developments are also under way, such as the building of high-tech storage centres for a major shopping chain, with plans in place for further projects.

‘When businesses help to make sure their areas are pristine, they give existing and potential customers or investors the confidence to support them. Between 2010 and 2021, approved building works in the Bellville area reached R7,3 billion, with major forthcoming investments including the high-tech storage centres for a major shopping chain. We need to ensure Bellville is a clean, conducive environment for more investment.

‘Under the City’s cooperation with the GTP, there are several projects wherein local businesses can also show their support, including experimenting with biofuel as a solution to food waste, urban greening projects, and the expansion of the Trolley and Recycling Project,’ Alderman Vos added.

The Trolley and Recycling Project is a programme that provides personal and economic development opportunities for waste pickers and is designed to empower individuals to become recycling entrepreneurs.

‘Our various recycling initiatives help us to maintain a cleaner centre while diverting waste from landfills and providing a source of income for destitute people that could, over time, break the cycle of poverty,’ said GTP CEO, Warren Hewitt.

Alderman Twigg said the #SpringCleanCT campaign has thus far achieved great success.

‘It is encouraging to see more people joining the #SpringCleanCT campaign. Since the start of the campaign just over three weeks ago, over 26 800 bags of litter, including recyclables, have been cleared off the streets of Cape Town.

‘The City has launched a 24-hour toll-free number to report tip-offs about illegal dumping activity. Those convicted of illegal dumping could be fined up to R5 000, have their vehicle impounded, or face a two-year prison sentence. In addition, for every report that leads to a fine and conviction, the City is offering a reward from R1000 up to R5000, depending on the offence,’ said Alderman Twigg.

There are three easy ways for businesses to get involved:

Share the #SpringCleanCT message with your staff and find useful information at CapeTown.gov.za 

Allow some time for your employees to arrange a clean-up, or sponsor a community clean-up to show your business cares. Be sure to share your efforts on social media with the hashtag #SpringCleanCT

Report illegal dumping tip-offs to our 24-hour toll-free number on 0800 110077

Source: City Of Cape Town