The dangers of littering and illegal dumping were highlighted during the waste management training workshop which was held at Nancefield Community Hall on Tuesday morning.

A brainchild of Vhembe District Municipality Community Services Department, the workshop was targeted at 110 Musina Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers who deal with waste management on a daily basis. Shortly after the workshop, the workers undertook practical experience by conducting a clean-up campaign.

Vhembe District Municipality Health Inspector Peter Mugwena said the workers were equipped with basic knowledge of waste management, recycling and re-use of products. “We also emphasized that illegal dumping is a criminal offence which is a very serious health hazard. We also taught the workers how littering can badly affect the health of local community members.”

Mugwena said it was very effective to give people awareness through demonstration. “That is why we embarked on a practical experience to evaluate what the workers learnt.” He said the problem of littering affected everyone and it was important to deal with it accordingly. “People must make sure that their thrash is securely in the proper receptacle. This means putting all thrash in the dustbins and properly sealing your garbage containers. Business owners should also educate their employees by placing anti-litter signs next to their businesses. They must also encourage their employees to take pride in their workplace by keeping it litter-free."

He said litter created ugliness in public places, including streets, parks and waterways and waterways and impacted on real estate values. “Litter can kill aquatic life and decrease oxygen levels when it decays in water. Most litter can be recycled, which not only protects the environment, it saves our natural resources.”

Mugwena thanked the workers and community members who voluntarily took part in the clean-up campaign.