The fourth waste officers Khoro was convened by the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs with the objective of promoting strategic waste management as a collective effort of all in society.
The event was addressed by, amongst others, the Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi; Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Andries Nel; KwaZulu-Natal MEC Meshack Radebe and MEC Patrick Mabilo from Northern Cape.
In his address Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs stated that the effective waste management must be made a national strategic objective in which all sectors of society and tiers of government play a role. Poor waste management and incapacity to meet waste management demand is a threat to the quality of life of communities and a risk to national brand and reputation.
Municipalities are by law expected to develop and adopt Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) that include Waste Management Plans. This is aimed at ensuring that waste management is not an incidental concern but a core function of government. Waste management, if properly managed, could present substantial economic opportunities and create meaningful work for people in the various communities.
CoGTA has introduced a Community Work Programs (CWP) to assist in keeping our environment clean especially in poor communities that are not fully serviced. This program has also created employment opportunities.
