Did you know Saldanha Bay Municipality has a solid-waste bylaw?
Moreover it includes 64 fines to help keep the community clean and green. Recently, the solid waste department collaborated with local law-enforcement officers for an interactive training session to ensure everyone is well-versed in these regulations.
The session, led by Charlotte Nell of Aquila Environmental, with support from David Wright and Abubaker Nakerdien of the solid waste department, highlighted the importance of both enforcement and education. While fines and penalties are necessary to deter violations, raising awareness and educating the public is equally crucial in encouraging proper waste management practices.
One of the key themes of the training was the need for departments within the municipality to work together rather than in isolation. This collaborative spirit was evident throughout the training, which was characterised by its interactive nature.
Law-enforcement officers shared their on-the-ground experiences with solid-waste issues, providing invaluable insights into the challenges faced in enforcing bylaws. They discussed difficulties such as identifying offenders, managing illegal dumping sites and dealing with public non-compliance. This exchange of experiences helped the solid waste department understand the practical hurdles and explore potential solutions collaboratively. The training covered various aspects of the bylaw, including fines and penalties for violations.
The session underscored the Broken Windows Theory, which suggests that maintaining order in a community can help reduce crime rates. “Areas with more well-maintained environments tend to have lower crime rates,” Nell explained. This theory reinforces the importance of proper waste management, not just for environmental health, but also for community safety.
It was also noted that enforcing these bylaws isn’t always clear-cut. Law-enforcement officials often have to rely on their judgement to handle situations appropriately. There is a human component to their job, and issuing fines isn’t always the best course of action.
Residents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the bylaw and report any violations they observe to the municipality by contacting Saldanha Bay Municipality’s 24-Hour Call Centre number 022 701 7061 and the Emergency Control Room number 022 701 6834. The solid-waste management bylaw is available on the municipal website for reference.
