As South Africa endures the 21-day lockdown, the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has implemented numerous measures to ensure all basic and essential services continue.
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The services, namely health care, waste removal, provision of electricity and water and sanitation, will be provided to all residents.
For many residents, the concern of waste and refuse removal has been a priority.
To continue providing this essential to residents, CoE has implemented the following:
• Waste collection services will continue according to an approved schedule.
• Transfer stations and mini-disposal sites will be closed; residents may not access them.
• Closed service providers will have the opportunity to clear waste from transfer stations and mini-disposal sites.
• Officials responsible for environmental compliance and enforcement will be on standby to respond to environmental incidents.
• The lockdown will affect CoE’s clean city programme.
EMPD spokesperson and acting chief Sup Kobeli Mokheseng said during the lockdown, EMPD will continue crime prevention and enforce City by-laws, which includes illegal dumping.
“Since we fall under essential services, we are visible and on duty 24 hours, seven days a week unless our principals decide otherwise.”
Mokheseng said the consequences for illegal dumping remain the same despite the lockdown.
“If found dumping illegally while mobile, we issue an appropriate fine according to CoE by-laws.
“If you are pushing a wheelbarrow or trolley, we will request your ID, residential address and will issue an appropriate notice.”
Mokheseng said he is aware that there will be registered legitimate recyclers which will work together with CoE’s waste management.
“If other recyclers do not comply with what the law requires, we will deal with them accordingly.”
Mokheseng advised community members who see individuals digging through their wheelie bin to contact the department.
Call 011 458 0911 or 086 054 3000 (the call taking centre) and request EMPD to assist if you see someone dumping illegally.
Alternatively, community members can stop officers in any branded EMPD motor vehicle who will help to the best of their abilities.
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