The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has made a significant investment in the maintenance and beautification of public spaces.
Environmental Resources and Waste Management MMC Leshaka Manamela inspected specialised grass-cutting and tree-pruning equipment worth R10m at the Boksburg depot on August 6.
Manamela was accompanied by the acting head of Environmental Resources and Waste Management, Phakamile Mbengashe, and senior management of the parks and cemeteries division.
The newly procured equipment includes 395 brush cutters, 200 chain saws, 15 self-propelled walk-behind mowers, 80 pole pruners, 20 leaf blowers and two skid steer loaders. During the inspection, the MMC emphasised the importance of building a capable state.
“We are committed to empowering our staff and ensuring they have the tools necessary to maintain our city’s green spaces effectively,” he said.
“By building up our internal capacity, we are reducing our reliance on external contractors and tenders, ensuring that the CoE can deliver quality services directly to our residents in a manner that is financially sustainable and creates long-term employment.
“This investment is a step towards creating a more self-sufficient and responsive parks and cemeteries service. Our depot staff are the backbone of our operations, and they must be well-equipped to meet the needs of our communities and environment.”
The CoE urges all residents to report any incidents of overgrown grass and trees to the call centre on 0860 543 000.
ALSO READ: There’s more than meets the eye in an optometry career
