Act to clean up ‘Slummies’

I COULD not help but take note of Cyril van Seumeren’s letter in the Dispatch (“Litter spoiling cityscape”) – what he has stated is spot on. The source of much of the litter that Cyril van Seumeren has highlighted in his letter originates from streets, ravines and any other areas close to the coast. Sadly, all this filth gets washed down into the sea during the rainy season. In and around “Slummies” the evidence of indiscriminate litter and filth is very obvious.

The Dispatch can be commended on the articles already published regarding the litter. However, I am of the opinion that this scourge needs to be constantly highlighted and regularly exposed in the hope that a greater and more determined effort by the municipality and the public to combat and rectify this problem will result in a clean East London.

Possibly the success in combating litter in Singapore is policing with consequences. We are all sickened by the misuse of tax money on worthless projects and undeserving performance bonuses on certain officials when our land is drowning in filth and the sea is being poisoned with refuse.

How about using prisoners on a daily basis to clean up the city for free? How about a regular section in the Dispatch where photos can be published to expose culprits? Why has the refuse recycling project in East London collapsed, whereas recycling in other countries is a success which generates jobs and an income for many? Michael Jackson’s plea says it all: “Don’t kill the world our means of life. Lend ear to nature’s cry. Don’t kill the world, she’s all we have.” — Trevor Watson, Gonubie

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