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18 February 2010

Officials from the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development continue with their effort to clean the township of Tembisa and to raise awareness on the impact of illegal damping in the environment.

On Saturday, 20 February, officials from the department and the community will clean spots that are dirty, including spots in Winnie Mandela and Umthambeka section. Tembisa is the focus of the provincial government’s Clean and Green campaign this year.

Tembisa is not green enough in comparison to other townships in the province and that makes it unattractive. Trees and recreational parks around the area are few. By greening the township, greenhouse pollution in the atmosphere will be reduced.

In most parts of the province, illegal dumping has created serious problems that have badly impacted on the environment. Rivers are polluted and drainage systems are blocked. Illegal dumping attracts flies that spread germs and poses serious health hazards to residents.

The Clean and Green campaign started in 2008 in an effort to promote a safe environment and raise awareness on the impact of illegal dumping. Most importantly, it encouraged communities in townships to plant trees and creates food gardens and parks. Beneficiaries of the campaign include some townships in Metsweding district and communities along the Jukskei River in Alexander Township.

By involving the community the department educates both old and young ones on how to care for their environment. This positive initiative requires everyone in Tembisa to participate including university students and workers, so take time off to join the department to clean the streets of Tembisa on Saturday.

For more information on how you can participate in cleaning Tembisa, please contact:

Andrew Mathabathe
Tel: 011 355 1470

Issued by: Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
18 February 2010
Source: Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.gdard.gpg.gov.za/)