Durban — Netizens have told the eThekwini Municipality to fix municipal braai areas after discovering the bins were being converted into braai stands.
On its Facebook page on Wednesday, the eThekwini Municipality said: “While the drive to place street litter bins in strategic areas across eThekwini continues, the City has noted with dismay that some residents and visitors are misusing the street litter bins by using them as braai stands.
“The City urges residents, businesses, and visitors to look after the bins that have been provided. These street litter bins are strategically placed across the City solely for waste disposal.”
Reacting to the unwelcome repurposing, netizens were divided:
Public reaction:
Khulekani Dlomo said: “Fix the braai stands, the issue will be solved.”
Wade Rose said: “The City needs to fix the braai stands to prevent this.”
Kgomotso Mphalaborwa Morota Malatsi said: “Fix that braai area so people won’t use those bins as braai stands.”
Ralph Bluffo Kerwan said: “Maybe if the braai stands were functional, they would not resort to having to “make a plan” where are the coals supposed to sit in that braai? No excuse for using a bin for a base, but better to use it for that than not use it at all, which is what most of the people who flock down to the beach in December do…”
Proposed solutions:
Siyanda Masiya Khanyile said maybe the municipality should add more braai facilities.
Terrence Memela said: “Maybe the municipality needs to look into using concrete bins as well as permanent braaing structures that will be hard to remove.”
Michelle Sarwan said: “... Maybe rather fix it to something so it can’t be moved.”
Dave Borlase asked what happened to the concept of the park attendant, who on foot patrolled the area and ensured there was no damage and misuse of municipal property.
Shabana Essack said: “Change them to plastic bins - problem solved.”
What others said:
Nadine Paul said: “The problem is: many people have NO RESPECT for properties and areas, so while you may supply braai grids for public use, these will either be stolen, vandalised and mistreated! Until people can have respect for other people and things, you won't win this battle.”
Nkosinathi Mthethwa said: “Blame the municipality and that’s always the easiest route and thing to do for our lack of being responsible citizens.”
Meanwhile, earlier this month, the municipality said the Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit has added more street litter bins in the Blue Lagoon vicinity to encourage proper waste disposal. The unit will continue its drive to place more bins in strategic areas.
The municipality urged residents, businesses and visitors to play their part by properly using the street litter bins intentionally placed around the City.
It said this will help to achieve a clean City and avoid litter being washed into the ocean. It will also help prevent waste from clogging stormwater drains.
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