The issue of cleanliness within the Pietermaritzburg CBD has come to the fore again, with the mayor of the Msunduzi Municipality, Mzimkhulu Thebolla noting that the matter needed to be addressed.
He was commenting as he officially launched a dedicated war room at Church Street Mall this week.
He said the war room aims to address pressing service delivery issues and reaffirm the municipality's commitment to putting the people of Msunduzi first.
Among the focus areas will be improving waste management and traffic control.
Thebolla has declared 2025 as the year of “Massive Service Delivery”, with a renewed focus on tackling critical challenges facing the city.
“During a walkabout that we did at Church Street Mall, it was evident that the city has regressed in key areas such as grass cutting, waste management, and overall cleanliness,” said the mayor in a statement.
"These setbacks, along with ongoing water and electricity supply issues, have affected the quality of life for many residents. We cannot allow these challenges to define our city. Clean water, reliable electricity, and a clean environment are not privileges; they are rights. We are acting because we care deeply about the people of Msunduzi. This war room is just the beginning of our efforts to restore dignity, accountability, and pride in our city," said mayor Thebolla.
The mayor emphasised that the municipality's plans are not merely about addressing immediate problems but are part of a broader strategy to deliver meaningful, lasting service improvements for residents.
"This city belongs to its people, and it is our duty to ensure that every action we take reflects that. 2025 will be the year we deliver and rebuild trust, brick by brick, street by street, and service by service. We are here to serve," said Thebolla.
The municipality urged all residents to work together to uphold the vision of a clean, safe, and prosperous Msunduzi.