City calls on residents to clean-up their environment

With World Cleanup Day fast approaching, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, Pikitup and Joburg Tourism are united in a call to residents to participate in actively cleaning and beautifying the sidewalks of the city.

The City of Johannesburg is calling on residents to clean and beautify their sidewalks in anticipation of World Cleanup Day on 16 September 2023.

The City will collect all trash bags on the fixed refuse collection days. There will also be a number of clean-up events throughout the City on World Cleanup Day.

Jenny Moodley, the spokesperson at Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, says that the goal is to foster a clean and vibrant city in collaboration with residents, especially in the warm summer months when overgrowth can be a problem.

“We appreciate the huge number of residents who are already maintaining the verges adjacent to their homes. But we need everyone’s help to keep our city clean and beautiful. By cleaning and beautifying our sidewalks, we can enhance property values, reduce crime and grime, and nurture healthy and happy communities,” says Moodley. ​

Pikitup spokesperson Muzi Mkhwanazi says Pikitup is also appealing to residents to put their shoulders to the wheel by participating in efforts to ensure a clean city. 

“The benefits of a clean city are immense. Not only will the city be clean but it will also attract investments through the creation of businesses which means job creation, fresh and clean air that will contribute to healthy lives and a city that is free from littering and illegally dumped waste. This will also mean that our water ways and streams will be free of contamination or pollution occasioned by illegally dumped waste,” says Mkhwanazi.

Laura Vercueil, the Public Relations and Communications Manager for Joburg Tourism, adds that: “A clean, safe environment has to rank as one of a destination’s most valuable assets and we applaud any initiatives which contribute to making Joburg even more appealing as a fascinating destination which boasts vibrancy, diversity and a warm welcome for all its visitors.”

Residents can help by picking up litter, trimming overgrown vegetation, and planting flowers and other plants. They can also contact City Parks customer care consultants at 011 712-6600 for advice on what plant material to use.