Residents want a solution for illegal dumping
KENSINGTON – Councillor ready to fight illegal dumping in Ward 66.
Residents in Ward 66 are tired of the level of illegal dumping in the area.
Ward 66 comprises Bertrams, Bezuidenhout Valley, Observatory East, Bellevue East, part of Kensington and part of Troyeville. Councillor Carlos Da Rocha said he is also concerned about the illegal dumping in the ward. He recently caught a resident dumping on the corner of Latona Street and Roberts Avenue in Kensington. “I have been fighting this battle for so long but people are still dumping and this really concerns me.
“Dumping has become [one of] the worst problems for any suburb, it destroys the area and it is also a health hazard to residents. The biggest concern from residents is the depreciation of property values.”
This is not the first resident who has been caught dumping in the ward. Da Rocha said that after crime, illegal dumping is the biggest problem in the area. “For years I have dedicated my efforts to clean up dumping and put a stop to all illegal dumping in the ward. Unfortunately, it continues, be it from people dumping household refuse to garden refuse and building rubble.”
He is pleased that Metro police are finally taking illegal dumping seriously and enforcing bylaws. “I have… [battled with] Metro police to start taking action on people who are dumping, to no avail. But now, the police are starting to listen and starting to realise that dealing with people dumping is a necessity, and not optional. The last couple of times I caught people dumping red-handed, they were issued with very stiff fines.”
He urged the homeowners who are building or renovating to be aware that they will receive fines for dumping on the pavement.
There are different categories of fines:
- A small load like papers or bottles will result in a fine of up to R500
- For a bakkie load, the fine is R1 000
- Building rubble, like cement or bricks gets a R1 500 fine.
Residents who witness incidents of illegal dumping are urged to report the act as a matter of urgency. They will need to submit the date and time of the incident, the location, type of material dumped and the registration number of the vehicle, if possible.
Contact the following numbers to report illegal dumping:
- Metro police City Bylaw Enforcement 082 467 9434
- Pikitup 011 712 5200; info@pikitup.co.za
- Joburg Connect 011 375-5911 (after hours); 011 375-5555 (office hours).
For more information on Pikitup’s refuse collection schedule, contact Joburg Connect on 011 375-5555; 0860 562 874 (0860 JOBURG). Alternatively, email info@pikitup.co.za
Read:
JMPD catches illegal dumpers in the act
