Juckes raises concerns over dumping activity
Juckes described the activity as an ‘encroachment into the Illiondale wetland and the power line servitude’.
After Irwin Juckes of Edenvale River Watch noticed earthmoving equipment near the Illiondale wetland, he raised concerns about the impact it could have on the wetland and the Sebenza power servitude.
ALSO READ: Illegal dumping can negatively affect your health
Juckes described the activity as an ‘encroachment into the Illiondale wetland and the power line servitude’.
“Where the platform is being created is fortuitously open land; however, it is an ecologically sensitive area as it forms part of the wetland,” explained Juckes.
Juckes believes the material dumped at the location comes from an excavation site and is not merely general builders’ rubble or household debris.
When the NEWS visited the site with Juckes on November 24, massive boulders could be found at the platform.
At one location, the platform could be seen covering a portion of two pylons supporting the high-voltage lines from Kelvin Power Station.
According to Juckes, the activity is nothing new and started approximately eight years ago.
Juckes is of the opinion that the vehicles dumping the soil gain access to the site from an Impangela Road property.
After noticing the most recent activity, Juckes visited the Sebenza site on November 18 and after studying satellite maps, identified renewed activity.
“I informed the respective ward councillors responsible who assisted me to escalate the matter to the City of Johannesburg,” said Juckes.
Juckes also emailed a report to City of Johannesburg (CoJ) on November 20, informing the municipality of the platform’s encroachment on the wetland and the Sebenza power servitude, the history behind it and the renewed activity.
“I have since been informed that the matter is being investigated.”
Juckes said wetlands regulate water and reduce the flow and speed of water systems.
A request for comment was sent to CoJ and City Power on November 25, requesting comment by November 26 at 14:30.
At the time of going to print, no comment had been received.
Also follow us on:
