They write that the stark contrast between garbage collection services found in suburbs and townships and those in informal settlements is clear. Mduduzi Ntongana.
As the world celebrates Earth Day on April 22 with the theme 'Plastics vs. Earth', it is vitally important to shine a light on an often overlooked environmental issue: the harsh reality of plastic pollution in South Africa's informal settlements. .
It is a common sight in these communities to see plastic waste and toxins piling up in makeshift dumping sites and polluting nearby streams.
Informal settlements and settlements littered with plastic pollution exist within South Africa's largely urban areas. From polluted waterways to streets littered with uncollected trash, this environmental injustice is taking a toll on the health, dignity, and sustainability of these communities.
Sadly, governments have become accustomed to generally ignoring the struggles faced by people in informal settlements.
It is surprising how little public outcry there is against the environmental injustices endured by marginalized communities who lack the basic resources needed to manage their waste responsibly.
Residents of informal settlements receive little support in waste management. With no garbage trucks, plastic bags or communal bins, they must fend for themselves, while wealthy suburbs have regular garbage collection days.
At the local government level, there is a significant lack of systematic efforts to address pollution near informal settlements in all parts of the country, suggesting a worrying lack of urgency and capacity.
Read | SA calls for funds to help end plastic pollution under global treaty
For example, the City of Buffalo Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) has introduced a buy-back center strategy, a much-welcomed initiative that promotes plastic recycling in the community and provides livelihood opportunities for local recyclers. .
Through its Community Work Program (CWP) and Public Employment Program (PEP), the City conducts clean-up efforts in key public locations across the metro, providing income for workers and promoting community cleanliness. Masu.
However, like many other municipalities in the country, priority is being given to large-scale environmental remediation projects aimed at cleaning up plastic pollution in makeshift dumping sites located near streams and rivers or informal settlements. There are insufficient resources available.
In areas such as BCMM's Amarinda Forest Informal Settlement, many examples of abandoned streams and vacant land littered with plastic pollution are clearly visible, and comprehensive environmental remediation efforts and efforts are needed to address this pressing crisis. This highlights the urgent need for increased resource allocation.
Amarinda Forest community members said the community feels ignored by the municipality. She said, “As a community, we don't have a way to dispose of our waste properly. In some parts of the settlement, it's always dirty. People dump their waste in open spaces (temporary dumping sites) and they always have to incinerate it.'' No,” he said.
There is a clear contrast between the garbage collection services found in suburbs and townships and those in informal settlements. While homes in towns and suburbs benefit from regular garbage collection, residents of informal settlements often go through long gaps without receiving this vital service.
Regarding the current garbage collection by the city, she said, “The city garbage truck used to come and pick up the garbage, but now they don't come anymore. We don't even have a big garbage bin available.'' Told. Informal settlements require these skip bins. ”
With limited options, residents resort to burning or dumping waste in vacant lots, worsening pollution and endangering both health and the environment.
Environmental groups such as WWF and UN-Habitat have warned that plastic pollution needs to be tackled urgently.
Lives are at risk and the environment is suffering. Article 24 of the constitution states that everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health and well-being, but many in informal settlements are denied this right. Government inaction not only violates constitutional rights but also perpetuates inequality and injustice.
Significantly reducing plastic pollution in and around informal settlements requires more attention and resources. Government intervention is essential to achieve meaningful progress in this regard, including the provision of essential services such as accessible bins and regular garbage collection.
At the same time, it is essential that local communities take an active role in promoting a culture of responsible waste management practices.
Read | Opinion | Closed-door meetings, poor record-keeping hinder corporate culture lobbying
Additionally, collaborative efforts between communities and governments can extend to the implementation of large-scale projects and campaigns aimed at removing plastic pollution from streams, rivers, and temporary dump sites.
Community involvement includes mobilizing volunteers for clean-up events, raising awareness about the negative effects of plastic pollution, and actively participating in waste separation and recycling programs.
Government support, on the other hand, comes through the allocation of funds for expertise, creation of job opportunities for recyclers, equipment and waste management infrastructure.
So, as the world commemorates Earth Day, let us not forget those who live in the shadow of plastic pollution and strive for their constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment. The time has come to break down barriers to environmental justice and promote meaningful implementation of environmental remediation projects and strategies.
By sharing responsibility and acting in concert, these joint efforts can significantly reduce plastic pollution in waterways and landfills in informal settlements, restoring the environment and supporting populations and ecosystems. can improve the welfare of both.
Mduduzi Ntongana is Program Officer for Basic Services at Afesis, a development NGO based in East London. Mr Mduduzi has a background in urban and regional planning and his current work focuses on sustainable settlement development, participatory planning and community development.
News24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse opinions. The views of columnists published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24.
