Green Scorpions to address dumping
Affectionately known as the Green Scorpions, the EMI will have a distinctive uniform and will always be expected to carry official identity cards at all times.
Considering the extent of illegal dumping and bylaw contraventions affecting the environment and local residents, the Green Scorpions could not have come at a better time.
The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) recently launched the Environmental Management Inspectorate, a network of environmental enforcement officials serving the city.
The CoJ trained and designated nine environmental management inspectors (EMIs) to ensure compliance with the city’s environmental bylaws.
Affectionately known as the Green Scorpions, the EMI will have a distinctive uniform and will always be expected to carry official identity cards at all times.
These cards must be presented at the public’s request and carried whenever they are executing their duties.
This launch is part of the implementation of a Memorandum of Agreement between the city and the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in accordance with the National Environment Management Act.
“With only a month to go before South Africa begins the celebration of 20 years of democracy, we take pride in a constitution that protects the rights of its citizens. These include everyone’s right to an environment that is not harmful to health or well-being, and to have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations. The law enforcement of the city’s environmental bylaws will not only protect our people from harmful risks, but will also help ensure that our city does not have any no-go areas that have been created by dumping and harbouring of dangerous substances and animals,” said member of the mayoral committee for environment, infrastructure and services (MMC), Clr Matshidiso Mfikoe.
The EXPRESS has on numerous occasions published articles relating to illegal dumping in suburbs such as Malvern and Bertrams. Last week Clr Alison van der Molen drove through Malvern in shock as she passed mounds of rubbish lining the streets.
In one of her Facebook posts she said, “I drove around Malvern and grew increasingly frustrated. The residents complain that Malvern looks like a mess and it most certainly does but it is not Pikitup which makes it look like a mess. It is residents who refuse to manage their rubbish. Pikitup has done drives and campaigns in the area to try and stop the behaviour. I keep asking for the names and addresses of the culprits but no one seems to know who does it. If I could have that information, I could get environmental health to enforce bylaws.” She told the EXPRESS that some people can look after Malvern but others just do not learn. Several residents responded, raising concerns about the illegal dumping and other contraventions in the suburb.
Clr Mfikoe said the city plans to train more inspectors.
