There is a lack of water and adequate sanitary facilities in the densely populated district of Zandspruit. There is constant protest by residents over housing and sanitation deficiencies. As a result of overcrowding, pollution, and poor waste management, Zandspruit suffers from several problems. In collaboration with the Zandspruit community, the Gauteng Department of Health, and Pikitup, the Humana People to People in South Africa #WASH program team conducted a community dialogue on September 15, with the theme "Taking care of our environment". Prior to the dialogue, 2 illegal dumping sites were cleaned up.
Pikitup team identified two hazardous illegal dumping sites near Bayer’s Naude Drive in Zandspruit along with the community. Despite the overwhelming amount of rubbish, Bayer’s Naude Drive was cleaned, and community members made a promise to report any illegal dumping. After the clean-up, the community went back to the venue to discuss a way forward in solving the issue at hand. A major problem in our society is illegal dumping, which damages ecosystems and creates injuries and illnesses in communities. Additionally, illegal dumping sites often attract criminal activities associated with other crimes.
During the dialogue, different topics were discussed including, what can individuals do to keep the environment clean, what can the community as a whole do to keep the environment clean and stop illegal dumping, and also how the city can assist the community in stopping illegal dumping. A community agreement was reached to ensure that their community is safe, clean, and healthy. During his presentation, Sam Pale, a Health Inspector from the Gauteng Department of Health, touched on the issue of illegal dumping and urged Zandspruit residents to report illegal dumping.
Humana People to People in South Africa launched the #WASH program in informal settlements of Johannesburg, such as Zandspruit and Freedom Park, in partnership with The Coca Cola Foundation. Providing water, sanitation, and electricity to these disadvantaged communities is the objective of this program. The program plans to conduct another clean-up campaign in Freedom Park, Soweto, with the support of the Gauteng Department of Health and Pikitup. As part of the #WASH program, a greater focus will be placed on clean water, clean energy, and clean environment.
Our goal is to develop a relationship with the Department of Health & Pikitup to ensure that dumping sports are cleaned regularly, and to train a youth corporate to take care of recycling. Our Outreach Officers will continue to mobilize the community to be involved in this initiative and will continue to facilitate these dialogue. The Zandspruit ward councillor, David Mangena, also support the campaign.
