Getting to know … Margarito Borlaza, CDA’s Janitorial Operative

Ensuring a vibrant and welcoming environment, CDA’s Cleaning Team is actively on the ground in Holborn and Clerkenwell, benefiting everyone who lives, works and visits the area. This month, we sat down with Margarito to talk about his role at CDA.

Q: How long have you been working at CDA?
A: I have been working at CDA since September 2020! I’m originally from the Philippines but I’ve been living in London for 15 years. 

Q: What does a typical day look like as part of the street team and how might this change throughout the year?
A: I start at 7am and finish at 4pm. Within this, my role includes cleaning, sweeping, checking the bins, picking up rubbish, removing stickers and also removing any graffiti. 

I work in the western section of the CDA patch, encompassing Tottenham Court Road, Holborn and Bloomsbury, including the area outside the British Museum. My supervisor issues work across the patch using Strata and I try to action things within my area as quickly as I can. 

Q: Are there any technologies that have made a significant difference to your work?
A: I use the jet wash for most of my duties. There are new cleaning chemicals now, which have made a real difference! 

Q: What message would you like to share with people who live, work or visit the area, about the importance of keeping it clean?
A: I would encourage people to say thank you when you see cleaning and security teams working out and about. When people see me working in the street and say that I’m doing a great job, I really appreciate that. I don’t take individual rubbish, so please use the bins for that! We also don’t collect waste in Veolia bags – this can be commonly confused with everyday business waste. 

Thank you, Margarito, for going above and beyond to ensure that we all have a clean and safe environment. Don’t forget to say hi to our street team when you see them! 

For more information on our Cleaning Team and their role, please visit our Environmental Services project page.