The launch will take place from 10 to noon on the 12 th floor, Utilitas Building, 1 Dorp Street.
Former Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister Valli Moosa initiated the national competition in 2001.
The emphasis of the competition will be how municipalities use their available resources to keep their communities clean.
"The competition must be seen to have direct benefits for all our poor and marginalised communities in our province. More than 50% of South African communities, especially in townships, rural and informal areas do not have access to a proper waste collection system, resulting in a range of negative health and environmental impacts.
"A clean and healthy environment is inextricably linked to the socio-economic improvement of all people," Minister Essop says.
She adds that the Cleanest Town Competition is one of the primary awareness raising programmes for the National Waste Management Strategy, which aims to transform the ideals of South African policies and legislation into a visible and participatory integrated waste management programme.
Aimed at changing attitudes by raising awareness and educating our nation towards environmentally friendly waste management practices, the competition can be used to encourage residents to participate in the moral regeneration of their communities. This will be done by re-introducing pride and commitment to clean up our environment. Also, consistent improvements in waste management initiatives, at municipal as well as community level, are acknowledged by the competition, while municipalities are encouraged to continuously improve their waste management services. The forging of partnerships between municipalities, community groups and private sector companies to protect our environment is also encouraged, as this could also become a lucrative venture towards sustainable development.
The Cleanest Town Competition does not focus merely on activities specifically designed to suitably impress the evaluation panel, but assesses the municipali-ties according to routine activities aimed at improving and maintaining the quality of the living environment for their residents. Having tapped into the environmentally related expertise of various Departments, such as Health and Water Affairs and Forestry as well as experienced NGO's such as the Fairest Cape Association, the evaluation panel has positioned itself as a transparent and unbiased adjudicator. The provincial winners will be announced during April 2005, while the national winners will be announced on National Environment Day, June 5.
Last year 19 municipalities entered the competition, and this year 21 (out of a possible 24) municipalities (excluding district municipalities) will be vying for the coveted prize. Above all, participating in the competition requires no additional spending from entrants as municipalities are encouraged to view continuous environmental improvement as part of day-to-day business.
For more information, please contact Russell Mehl at 021 483 2752 or 084 668 1073.
Programme for Launch of the Cleanest Town Competition 2004/5
- Opening and Welcome: Director Pollution and Waste Management - Mr. G. Arendse 10:00 -10:15
- Keynote address and Launch: Minister of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning - Ms. T. Essop 10:15 -10:30
- Address by evaluation panel member: CEO of The Fairest Cape Association - Mr. Rodney Leak 10:30 - 11:00
- Discussion and questions 11:00 - 11:30
- Thanks and Closure: Deputy Director Waste Management - Mr. E. Hanekom 11:30 - 11:40
- Lunch 11:40 - 12:30
