Illegal dumping continues to plague Alexandra, contributing to health hazards, blocked waterways, and environmental degradation.

Ward 107 councillor Floyd Ngwenya believes the long-term solution lies not just in more clean-ups or enforcement, but in building a deep sense of ownership and collective responsibility among residents. “No one will come from Sandton, Greenstone, or any other area to take care of our space. If it is not us that want to take care of our space, then at the end of the day we will have issues that we have.”

Read more: Man found burning to death at a dumping site in Extension 8, Alexandra

Illegal dumping is more than just an eyesore in the community, it creates ideal breeding grounds for rodents and other pests. In other areas, it worsens flooding during heavy rains by clogging storm water systems and drainage channels.

Local ward councillors, including Ward 116’s Adolph Marema and Ward 108’s Deborah Francisco, previously highlighted how piles of waste block storm water infrastructure, turning minor downpours into streams that damage roads.

Ngwenya also pointed out to dumping near schools and early childhood development (ECD) centres, noting the disproportionate harm inflicted on the youngest residents. He said, while it might not affect adults as much, it does affect children because they are more vulnerable to diseases.

His plan to address it more efficiently centres on repeated messaging. He calls for residents to confront their role in the problem. “These illegal dumping [issues] are created by the same community, so how do we make sure that, as a community, we are aware of our space, take care of it, and make sure that we don’t create dumping sites in front of schools or ECD centres?”

Also read: Gautrain and Pikitup combat illegal dumping

Ngwenya acknowledged that some residents reverse the ward’s progress in tackling the issue. “Pikitup comes to pick up rubbish in an area, but then you find someone coming out an hour later throwing out whatever they have.”

Such setbacks underscore why he views ongoing community dialogue as essential. “We have had campaigns with Pikitup, but with the situation not changing, that means it is something that we have to go out and intensify, making sure that we approach everyone to make them understand that this is our environment.”

The councillor hopes that they will eventually win in making sure that Alexandra is kept clean for the benefit of everyone.

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