Walking down High Street on a Monday morning just after 8:00 you do not get the idea that littering is a problem in Grahamstown. Cleaners from nearby businesses carry huge bags to the litter heaps which are removed quite early later the same day. But talking to inhabitants from other areas in town is a different story.

In an interview with Kaygee Gxanasi who is a resident from Extention 6, it was obvious that she is quite concerned about the waste in the area where she lives as there are no waste bins available.   Gxanasi is especially concerned about citizens not taking responsibility for managing household waste.   She is adament that children from a small age should be taught how to manage waste. But how do you teach children if there are no waste bins in the aea?   Her biggest concern however is the removal of bigger discarded household items.

Apollis Slingers, community activist from Grahamstown informed Grocott's Mail that littering of waste is another eyesore especially near Fitchat and Blackbear Streets situated not far from George Dickerson School where youngsters loiter in the streets and dogs are sniffing in litter bags.

Slingers who is involved in the Community Policing Forum and Radio Grahamstown says the only solution for littering is to educate people especially from a very young age.   The solution seems not to be an easy one but not to be avoid.  Citizens from all walks of life and age should take responsibility to keep the town of Grahamstown clean of litter.   It is not the sole responsibility of the Municipality and community leaders to find a solution but it would help if more unmovable litter bins are available and big movable holders are placed in strategic places.

Vuyiswa Ndlaleni from Joza is a concerned citizen who not only complains but takes responsibility and does what she thinks is necessary to better the area where she lives and works.   She is running her own centre for pre-school children from her home.   Ndlaleni is planning a cleaning campaign in Joza.   Children, their parents and people from the community will clean up the area on 5 December under her watchful eye.

Let us who care start in our own yard and area, says a concerned citizen, Mzuvukile Tatana.