Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) collaborated with eThekwini Municipality, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), and Sandock Austral Shipyards (SAS) last week to commemorate the International Coastal Clean-Up Day by cleaning roads in the Port of Durban’s Bayhead Precinct.
Acting Port Manager, Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi, said that the International Coastal Clean-Up Day commemoration began over 35 years ago, when communities joined together on a common goal of collecting and documenting the trash polluting their coastline.
“This year’s International Coastal Clean-up activities are celebrated under the theme “Sea the Change,” highlighting the importance of taking small actions to reduce the pollution globally. Every bottle, every straw, every piece of litter that is picked up can lead to a cleaner, healthier ocean and help reduce pollution that affects marine life and ecosystems.”
Ben-Mazwi added that with over 60 volunteers from TNPA, MSC and SAS, the clean-up focused on the Bayhead Precinct, specifically the area along Bayhead Road from the Cutler Permit Office to TNPA’s Fire Services office in Pier 1 and Langeberg Road.
“This area has been selected due to its high foot traffic and proximity to critical port operations, making it a priority to maintain environmental cleanliness and reduce pollution risks.”
Ben-Mazwi said that the Bayhead Precinct is a highly industrialised zone and, therefore, faces challenges from both land based and marine sources of pollution.
“By participating in this global event, the Port of Durban can improve on its environmental sustainability, enhance its community relations, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of coastal and marine environments in the region.”
The Mercury