Illegal dumping in Meadowdale irks locals
The fact that people could actually illegally dump rubble in our town and contribute to this mess is horrifying.
Illegal dumping is again in the spotlight after concerns were raised about the impact litter and debris are having on the safety of Meadowdale.
Edenvale resident Kerry Hannah raised concerns about the amount of illegally dumped waste and litter behind Meadowdale Mall near Brickfield Road.
When the NEWS visited the location, in the middle of October, the area in question was strewn with windblown debris while dumped construction rubble, tree trimmings, household waste and the rotting carcass of a dog littered the area.
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Hannah explained that the illegal dumping at the location was first noticed five years ago.
“We saw a company dumping there and reported it.”
Hanna said although she has only witnessed one company dumping at the location she has heard of other incidents of illegal dumping.
“I don’t travel that way often but it has gotten out of control since I was last there about six months ago,” said Hannah.
Hanna said she is concerned that the ongoing illegal dumping will attract criminals or lead to criminal behaviour.
She said when an area is left to deteriorate it invites crime into the area.
ALSO READ: CoE urges locals to refrain from illegal dumping as fines might be imposed
“My concern is that the location is off a main road and seems dangerous to drive there.
“There are lots of places for criminals to hide that could rob or hijack or spike the tyres of community members,” said Hannah.
She said it’s also possible that an informal settlement establishes itself in the area as waste pickers are establishing homes near the site.
Hannah said seeing the area in poor condition leaves her feeling angry and disgusted.
“The fact that people could illegally dump rubble in our town and contribute to this mess is horrifying.”
To combat the illegal behaviour of community members Hannah believes law enforcement needs to have a larger presence in the area.
ALSO READ: Clean-up follows exposed illegal dumping in Edenvale
She also believes that waste pickers should be removed from suburban areas.
“The area must also be maintained by the metro to discourage these actions,” said Hannah.
Ward 92 Clr Kade Guerreiro said in 2021 the area in question was cleaned up and signs, to discourage illegal dumping, were erected.
He said two years ago the signs were taken away, suspected of being stolen, and the area has deteriorated further.
“We now face the challenge of EMPD not having enough vehicles to conduct by-law enforcement. I have reported this area to the waste department since the start of 2023,” said Guerreiro.
He said the Meadowdale dumping location is one of 12 hotspots in Ward 92.
According to Guerreiro, under the current administration, no by-law enforcement or clean-up operations are done in Ward 92.
“Unfortunately, this is a country-wide problem and I understand that this is a bigger problem than just Ward 92 or Ekurhuleni.
“There are several large businesses in the area and this is near a busy road – the situation is bad,” said Guerreiro.
He said much of the litter surrounding the dumping site has been blown around by the wind.
ALSO READ: Legal action taken against contractor for illegal dumping in Bedfordview
Guerreiro said many have asked why the businesses in the area don’t take action to clean up the waste material.
“Continuously cleaning the site will cripple the businesses as it is not a cheap operation to carry out. Many businesses in the area have tried to keep the area clean but I think some have given up. As soon as the area is cleaned waste is illegally dumped again.”
Guerreiro appealed to community members to report illegal dumping if they witnessed it.
This can be done by sending photos, company information as well as vehicle registration details to Guerreiro.
Alternatively, illegal dumping can be reported directly to the municipality.
Once received, Guerreiro reports the illegal dumping to the municipality and if possible contacts the perpetrator requesting them to remove their waste.
He said if it is determined that community members are guilty of illegal dumping they can receive a fine.
Information and photographs can be sent to Kade.Guerreiro@ekurhuleni.gov.za.
A request for comment was sent to the City of Ekurhuleni on October 16 requesting comment by October 18 at 13:30.
At the time of going to print no comment was received.
