Durban - The City of Durban has committed to support groups of residents who roll up their sleeves and clean litter-strewn beaches of their own volition.
This was after it was reported in a community newspaper that the eThekwini municipality had said residents needed its permission before cleaning beaches.
News24 reported last week on two Durban men who started a Facebook group to rally residents to clean up the medical waste that had washed up on the city's northern beaches following heavy rains.
Luc Quevauvilliers, one of the founders of the group #CleanBlueLagoon, welcomed the city’s help.
"Obviously, we are happy to have the support of the city and it was disappointing to read the earlier report. I am glad this has all been sorted out," he said.
eThekwini municipality spokesperson Tozi Mthethwa praised the "committed residents".
"We applaud the efforts of residents and local groups who have rolled up their sleeves to help with the clean-up resulting from waste that was washed ashore during recent floods.
"The manner in which community groups mobilised themselves alongside the city's clean-up team demonstrates that the people of eThekwini care for their city and are willing to work with city officials," she said.
Mthethwa said they would help volunteers with equipment, should they need it.
"The city appreciates the efforts of all volunteers and community groups and is happy to supply safe equipment for the teams to work without putting themselves at risk," she said.
The safety of volunteers cleaning up medical waste was discussed at an executive committee meeting on Monday. The committee said their safety was essential and that they should have the correct protective gear.
