Nineteen community-based waste removal contractors have been given the opportunity to provide a service to the uMlazi community as part of eThekwini Municipality’s empowerment and mentorship programme.

The investment was approved by the eThekwini Executive Committee recently.

The contractors will assist in collecting waste in uMlazi ensuring efficient service delivery in the area.

City Manager Sibusiso Sithole said local residents have been accommodated with the awarding of new contracts for waste removal in uMlazi which was critical to job creation.

He said this decision reflected radical economic empowerment for the uMlazi community.

It was also keeping in line with the Municipality’s economic development strategies while promoting the ideal that people can find employment opportunities within their own communities.

An added benefit is that the contractors come from uMlazi and will see first-hand the fruits of their labour as they ensure the community, where they live, is kept clean while at the same time economically empowering themselves.

The contractors will service 19 wards in uMlazi currently not covered by major contractors.

As part of the mentorship programme, the appointed contractors will be mentored by the eight existing major contractors in the area over 21 months, from September 2015 until May 30, 2017 when contracts expire.