WATCH: Illegal dumping and alleged occupation under Verwoerdpark bridge spark residents’ concerns
Residents are calling for urgent intervention after illegal dumping and the alleged occupation of a bridge in Verwoerdpark raised concerns about crime, pollution and public safety.
Residents of Verwoerdpark are calling on the City of Ekurhuleni to take urgent action after a bridge on Second Avenue became a hotspot for illegal dumping and alleged occupation.
The Alberton Record visited the site on August 4 and found piles of household waste, furniture, clothing, plastic bags and other debris scattered around and beneath the bridge.
Bedding and makeshift coverings were also visible under the bridge, suggesting that people may be living there.
The accumulation of rubbish has left many residents worried about health risks, environmental pollution and crime in the area.
Several community members voiced their frustrations on Facebook, where photos of the site prompted widespread concern.
“This is terrible,” commented Theresa Openshaw.
Melissa Lee said she would gladly assist with cleaning the area once those occupying it had been removed.
“This is not what Alberton should look like; the dumping by the bridge near the old matrix building as well. The poor river is used as a dumping spot there,” she wrote.
@albertonrecord Residents are calling for urgent intervention after illegal dumping and the alleged occupation of a bridge in Verwoerdpark raised concerns about crime, pollution and public safety. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za
Others claimed the area has become associated with criminal activity.
“They are doing drugs under the bridge and stealing,” alleged Sonia Nijhuis.
Some residents suggested installing steel gates to prevent people from accessing the space beneath the bridge.
“Steel gates would work! That’s so bad,” wrote Sarah Khombo Manganyi.
However, other residents cautioned that gates could obstruct water flow during heavy rains and potentially cause flooding or damage to the bridge.
Ward 106 councillor Tim Denny told the Alberton Record he was unaware of the situation until contacted by the newspaper.
“I wasn’t aware of it. I will contact the relevant city departments and ask them to inspect the site and take the necessary action,” he said.
The Alberton Record sent a media enquiry to the City of Ekurhuleni on August 4 regarding the illegal dumping, maintenance of the area, alleged occupation beneath the bridge and any plans to address residents’ concerns.
The city’s response will be published once received.
