Residents, businesses, and authorities came together over the weekend to launch the Quigney Clean-Up and Compliance Campaign, a collaborative initiative aimed at restoring cleanliness, safety, and order in the coastal suburb of East London.
The campaign, launched at Calvary Church grounds on Saturday, brings together a range of stakeholders including the SA Police Service (SAPS), Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, law enforcement agencies, the Liquor Board, tourism representatives, religious institutions, universities, and community leaders.
The initiative reflects a shared commitment to addressing environmental concerns and improving compliance in the busy Quigney precinct.
Secretary of the Quigney Ratepayers and Residents Association, Lwandy Ngebe, said the campaign was not only about cleaning the area but also about strengthening cooperation between authorities and the community.
Through environmental clean-up activities and compliance inspections, stakeholders hope to tackle issues such as illegal dumping, lawlessness, and non-compliance among businesses.
Ngebe told the Go! that collective effort was crucial in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment.
“The success of the campaign depends on strong partnerships between government institutions, law enforcement, businesses, and residents,” she said.
“It is also about promoting responsible community participation, encouraging residents and business owners to take pride in their surroundings, while adhering to municipal regulations.” By bringing together multiple partners, the initiative seeks to ensure that Quigney remains a vibrant and safe destination for both residents and visitors.
Stakeholders expressed hope that the campaign would serve as a model for similar collaborative efforts in other parts of the metro.
Ngebe further encouraged the community to support the initiative by keeping their surroundings clean and reporting any illegal activities.
“The campaign was inspired by community concerns about safety, cleanliness, and lawlessness,” said Ngebe.
“Recognising that collective action is necessary for the community’s development and wellbeing, residents rallied together to address these challenges.
“Government and law enforcement agencies, community groups, and businesses are working together to address the root causes of non-compliance,” she said.
“Examples include Solid Waste and Environmental Health conducting gutter and road clean-ups, SAPS and law enforcement carrying out house inspections and arrests for illegal activities, Red Alert assisting with bush clearing and collaborating with the SAPS, and Collect All providing recycling education.”
With partners such as Buffalo City Tourism, the Eastern Cape Parks Board, and Walter Sisulu University supporting the project in various ways, residents can expect improved safety, reduced litter, and increased community pride through education, enforcement, and community engagement.
Ngebe acknowledged that maintaining momentum and resources may be a challenge.
“Regular community meetings, partnerships, and incorporating these initiatives into local plans will ensure lasting impact.
“We urge residents and businesses to join us and spread awareness,” she said.
She said increased enforcement actions were expected, including arrests and fines for public drinking and illegal car washing.
“Success in six months will be measured by visible improvements in cleanliness, safety, and community engagement, sustained through partnerships and community initiatives.”
Keeping the city clean is a shared responsibility. Illegal dumping negatively impacts the environment, threatens public health, disrupts community life, and diverts valuable municipal resources away from essential service delivery that benefits all residents.
To report illegal dumping, residents can call 043-722-1836/1819 or email lorettem@buffalocity.gov.za or info@grpra.co.za.
