While other less visible forms of pollution probably have a higher impact on the living environment, litter, being so visible, compounds various issues. Firstly it impacts directly on resources by polluting water and soil. Secondly it creates serious health hazards. Thirdly, it impacts directly on the tourism potential of surrounding areas, and last but perhaps the most serious result, is the impact on the social fabric of the people. No-one can grow up in a situation where the lack of services results in feelings of hopelessness and despair and not be touched in some way or another.
Litter is a greater social evil than most people realise.
The problem has deteriorated over the last few years with the greater influx of people to urban areas. Other reasons, such as the lack in environmental awareness and education programmes, complexity of socio-economic situation in our country, fragmentation of existing control measures have complicated the problem. As a result of this problem, a workshop to investigate possible avenues of action, will be held by the Department on 25 August 1994. All parties which can give an input will be invited to put their views. We hope that this exercise will come up with solutions that we can forward to the President's office, for adaptation and implementation in other areas, in support of the RDP objectives.