Cape Town is getting ready for the holiday season by hiring extra workers to keep the city clean and support local businesses. The Municipal Waste Management department has recruited over 2,500 seasonal workers and is implementing several cleaning measures across the city, asking residents to contribute to cleanliness efforts and adjust their refuse collection routines. The department also reminds residents to beware of imposters posing as collection staff and report any suspected instances to the police.
How is Cape Town preparing for the holiday rush?
Cape Town’s Municipal Waste Management department has recruited 2,568 seasonal workers and an additional 1,154 workers from the Rapid Response Programme to prepare for the influx of visitors during the festive season. They are implementing several cleaning measures across the city to preserve its beauty and support local businesses. Residents are encouraged to contribute to cleanliness efforts and adjust their routines for refuse collection. The department also reminds residents to beware of imposters posing as collection staff and report any suspected instances to the police.
As the festive season looms and the year draws to a close, Cape Town braces itself for the wave of visitors drawn to its world-renowned beauty. The city’s Municipal Waste Management department gears itself for a busy period, resolved to preserve the city’s allure.
This year, the city has boosted its cleaning squads with a remarkable 2,568 seasonal workers, and an additional 1,154 workers from the Rapid Response Programme. They are working tirelessly to ensure that Cape Town remains pristine for both its residents and the incoming guests. Several cleaning measures are in place across the city, with a particular concentration on Central Business Districts, scenic routes, and tourist attractions.
Maintaining the City’s Charm and Supporting Local Businesses
This mission goes beyond merely preserving the city’s aesthetics. It’s also about underpinning local businesses that heavily depend on the influx of visitors during the summer to sustain their financial stability. Alderman Grant Twigg, Mayoral Committee Member for Municipal Waste Management, wants visitors to have the best experience possible and encourages them to return to Cape Town for their future holidays. He also urges the residents to contribute to the cleanliness efforts by refraining from littering, especially in recreational areas.
However, due to the increase in activity during the holiday season and the resulting changes in traffic flow, residents might experience changes in refuse collection schedules. The Municipal Waste Management department asks residents to adjust their routines to ensure that trash bins are left out by 06:30 on the collection day. Although this is a minor adjustment to their routine, it will greatly assist the waste collection process.
Operational Changes and Community Responsibility
During the festive season excitement, it’s important to highlight some modifications concerning community recycling centers. The centers, previously referred to as drop-off sites, will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. For the rest of the holiday season, the centers will adhere to their regular operational hours.
Simultaneously, the Municipal Waste Management department is clear about the implementation of the city’s policy that bars its personnel from seeking Christmas boxes or any other form of gifts from residents. Each year, instances are reported where residents are forcefully asked for donations, sometimes with threats of suspending waste collection services if a “Christmas donation” is not made.
In the words of Alderman Twigg, “Severe action will be enforced against any staff member found involved in such unacceptable behavior.” Residents who experience such intimidation are urged to report incidents to the Wastewise Call Centre, providing key details like the date, time, location of the incident, and importantly, the vehicle registration number to identify the culprits.
Beware Imposters and Ensure Vigilance
The holiday season also witnesses a rise in the number of fraudulent individuals posing as collection staff. The Municipal Waste Management department implores residents to maintain vigilance and report any suspected instances of misrepresentation to the South African Police Service.
In summary, the festive season in Cape Town is not only a period of festivities and happiness but also a time of responsibility for its residents. The Municipal Waste Management department pledges to uphold the city’s beauty and functionality during this busy season, with the support of its residents. Together, they can confirm that Cape Town remains a delightful, clean, and safe city to live in and visit, not just during the holiday season, but throughout the year.
How many seasonal workers has Cape Town’s Municipal Waste Management department hired for the holiday season?
Cape Town’s Municipal Waste Management department has hired over 2,500 seasonal workers and an additional 1,154 workers from the Rapid Response Programme to prepare for the holiday rush.
What measures is the department implementing to keep the city clean?
The department is implementing several cleaning measures across the city, with a particular focus on Central Business Districts, scenic routes, and tourist attractions. They are also encouraging residents to contribute to cleanliness efforts and adjust their routines for refuse collection.
Why is it important to maintain the city’s cleanliness during the holiday season?
Maintaining the city’s cleanliness is not just about preserving its aesthetics but also about supporting local businesses that rely heavily on the influx of visitors during the summer to sustain their financial stability.
Will there be changes in refuse collection schedules during the holiday season?
Residents might experience changes in refuse collection schedules due to the increase in activity during the holiday season and the resulting changes in traffic flow. The department asks residents to adjust their routines to ensure that trash bins are left out by 06:30 on the collection day.
Will community recycling centers be operating during the holiday season?
Community recycling centers will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day but will adhere to their regular operational hours for the rest of the holiday season.
What should residents do if they encounter imposters posing as collection staff?
Residents should maintain vigilance and report any suspected instances of misrepresentation to the South African Police Service. The department also reminds residents to beware of imposters posing as collection staff and report any suspected instances to the police.
