Continuous illegal dumping in the Meadowdale area remains a concern for businesses and the local ward councillor alike.

An issue which has existed and been reported on for several years, the matter continues unabated.

According to Ward 92 Clr Kade Guerreiro, the problem has existed for at least four years.

ALSO READ: Road improvements underway – Guerreiro

He claims that the illegally dumped refuse comes from both residents and businesses.

“I wish people would understand that they can use Simmer and Jack Landfill Site, and it’s free,” said Guerreiro.

Guerreiro said that in an attempt to prevent illegal dumping, the local businesses in the area erected several portions of fencing to control and stop the dumping.

Although this hindered some of the dumping, community members either broke the fencing or found alternative areas to illegally dump their waste.

Guerreiro said that although he has reached out to the office of Leshaka Manamela, City of Ekurhuleni’s MMC for Environmental Resources and Waste Management, he has received no response despite the situation getting worse.

ALSO READ: Community urged to report illegal dumping – Guerreiro

“When there are storms or strong winds, the loose papers and plastic get blown around. The local businesses are complaining about the number of rodents which are attracted to the area,” said Guerreiro.

He said many of the nearby businesses have also cited seeing recyclers and people digging through the dumped refuse, highlighting safety concerns for the area.

“The local businesses are concerned; they don’t necessarily want unknown persons loitering around the perimeter of their properties. It’s a difficult situation, but I have approached the City of Ekurhuleni for assistance.”

Guerreiro said he has requested the city to erect reinforced fencing to block off the area entirely. He has also requested that the city install more lighting in the area.

“The city needs to take charge. I have asked them to conduct clean-ups of the area.”

Guerreiro said he has asked Manamela to come on-site so that a proposal can be put forward for better fencing, lighting, and signage informing community members not to dump; however, he has received no response from the MMC’s office.

ALSO READ: Guerreiro is ready to serve Ward 92

In response to concerns, the CoE said it is aware of the illegal dumping in the area and has highlighted the area as a hotspot.

CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the city removes illegally dumped material on an ad-hoc basis, but the perpetrators continue to dump waste illegally in the area.

“This makes the cleaning efforts by the waste management team fruitless, and we appeal to members of the public to share information on these activities as and when they spot them so that the city can take action through law enforcement.”

Dlamini said the erection of “No Dumping” signboards is a priority and will be erected when the budget becomes available.

Discussing lighting and fencing, Dlamini said the relevant departments will be contacted to look into such measures, which will serve as deterrents to illegal dumping in the area. He added that budgets must also be taken into consideration.

He said one problem the city faces is that scavengers remove them and sell them as scrap.

ALSO READ: Attempted land invasion in Klopper Park thwarted

Dlamini said while the city is prepared to put the necessary signs and increase police visibility, and educate communities about the dangers and consequences of illegal dumping, the community must join the battle.

He said to combat the scourge of illegal dumping, the city hopes to conduct a well-coordinated clean-up, education, and awareness campaign aimed at changing the mindset of the community, with all the relevant stakeholders also to be involved in the near future.

This will be done in conjunction with the city’s multi-disciplinary bylaw enforcement team, which enforces bylaws when a need has been identified.

When questioned if Manamela’s office had been approached by Guerreiro, Dlamini said the office of the MMC is always in constant communication with the public, including the councillor’s requests for assistance in matters relating to the cleaning of the environment.

“Guerreiro also receives assistance with the illegal dumping cleaning and other cleaning resources and equipment requested from the department,” said Dlamini.

“If caught or found guilty of illegally dumping, Dlamini said perpetrators can face spot fines and criminal cases, which may lead to court fines or jail imprisonment.
To report illegal dumping, phone:
Bedfordview: 011 999 1857 / 011 999 0195 / 011 999 1990
Germiston: 011 999 1267 / 011 999 9855 / 011 999 8015