Residents of River Park and Lombardy East in Johannesburg’s Ward 81 have endured years of disruption from a growing mountain of construction rubble accumulating near City Power’s Alexandra substation.

Multiple trucks per day have reportedly deposited waste at the site for approximately five years, creating what is now described as a significant eyesore and environmental hazard, just metres away from homes.

Read more: Councillor believes Alex residents must own the fight against illegal dumping

According to Ward 81 councillor Joanne Horwitz, the dumping started when the Johannesburg Development Agency wanted to move construction rubble from Alex to develop housing. The suggestion was to bring the rubble near the Alex substation, where it would be levelled out for the construction of a soccer ground. This initial activity reportedly attracted further loads of building rubble from Alexandra and external construction sites, particularly from Sandton. According to reports, the pile has since expanded. It now surrounds the soccer field and is nearing the banks of the Jukskei River.

Helen Zille, the Democratic Alliance’s mayoral candidate in Johannesburg, went on a fact-finding mission in the area on Friday, warning of severe risks. “It is surrounding the soccer field, possibly posing a risk to the soccer field, and at risk of tumbling into the Jukskei river and blocking that river entirely. If that river gets blocked, Alexandra will be completely flooded.”

Also read: Man found burning to death at a dumping site in Extension 8, Alexandra

She attributed the persistence of the site to municipal neglect and weak by-law enforcement. However, truck drivers said they have been restricted from accessing official facilities, such as one in Marlboro, which has pushed them toward unregulated sites.

Horwitz said she raised the matter in council, but there has been no progress, despite follow-ups. “I have put in a question to council. It was responded to, and a resolution was written down that it would be facilitated within six months. That was about 18 months ago, and still nothing has happened.“

When questioned about the environmental hazard created by the illegal dumping, Leonard Sithole, who claims to manage the dumping site, said that officials in the city’s branded vehicles authorised them to manage the site, noting that they deal only with construction rubble that is recyclable.

He said the area was previously bush, used for criminal activity, and that his group cleared it. They now level the material for parking during soccer tournaments.

Despite the concerning heap of rubble, Sithole maintained that their management of the site has prevented informal settlements and street dumping in Alexandra.

Alex News reached out to the City of Johannesburg, the mayor’s office, and the Johannesburg Development Agency for comment on this matter on May 9. An update will be provided once responses are received.

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