Ethekwini Municipality To Host National Arbor Week

20 August, 2008 20:35

eThekwini Municipality and the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry ( DWAF) hosted a clean-up Campaign today in Lamontville ,in preparation for Arbor Week to be held on September 1, 2008 at the same place.

Lamontville High School Environmental Committee learners were on the forefront of the clean up of Gwala and Hull roads, which are at the entrance to the suburb. Durban Solid Waste provided the cleaning resources to ensure that the campaign goes well.

Approximately 43 bags of litter were collected in just about two hours. Councillors and officials from eThekwini Municipality as well DWAF joined in the litter collecting campaign alongside learners.

“We are proud to be launching Arbor Week at Lamontville. Tree planting will cool and beautify the area. Trees absorb carbon dioxide to freshen-up the environment. We want Lamontville to be one of the cleanest areas in eThekwini,” said Councillor Nomvuzo Shabalala, Chairperson of Health, Safety and Social Services Committee in the municipality.

“We need trees to improve our environment. Trees are important to purify water especially in rural areas,” said Mike Modise Deputy Director Department of Water Affairs and Forestry

Ward 75 Lamontville Councillor; Mogkadi Malatsi said: “We urge the learners to educate their peers about keeping the environment clean and to ensure that it does not have any health hazards”.

“Learners got the essence of the event and understood the requirements of a clean environment,” said Garth Kloppenborg District Manager eThekwini Municipality Parks, Leisure and Cemeteries.

Total South Africa and Mondi Papers were part sponsors of the campaign.


Issued by: eThekwini Municipality Communications and Public Relations Unit

Khaya Sengani
Communications Officer
Tel: 031 311 2280
Cell: 072 293 8788
E-mail address: senganik@durban.gov.za