Siteki Town Council joined community members and several organisations on World Environment Day for a clean-up campaign at the entrance points of Siteki Town, with the exercise starting and ending at the Siteki Old Bus Rank.
Organisations that took part included OPTIONS Electrical, Eswatini Electricity Company, the Royal Eswatini Police Service, Good Shepherd College of Nursing, Good Catholic College of Health Sciences, Hungry Lion, Jubaline and other stakeholders, who were stationed at key areas across the town to collect litter.
Community and Social Development Manager Tibuyile Dlamini told participants the campaign was about more than just picking up rubbish.
“Today’s effort is aimed at raising awareness about the importance of keeping our town clean and ensuring that waste is disposed of in designated bins and approved waste disposal areas. As a Council, we believe that protecting the environment begins with individual responsibility and collective action,” she said.
Dlamini cited the Environment Management Act of 2002, which prohibits disposing of waste in a manner that results in littering, calling environmental protection both a civic duty and a legal obligation for residents, visitors and businesses operating in Siteki.
She warned businesses that failing to provide adequate waste bins for customers and the public could attract a penalty of up to E5,000. Members of the public caught throwing litter from vehicles face a fine of E50, while anyone found littering within the town may be fined E30 under Siteki Town Council by-laws. Those found urinating in public places also face penalties under the same by-laws.
“We will not only teach good environmental practices but also enforce them. Anyone found littering around town will be held accountable in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations. Keeping Siteki clean is a shared responsibility and every citizen has a role to play,” Dlamini said.
Leave a comment