Moore Avenue resident begs officials to visit site

The garbage strewn on the corner of Moore and Balfour avenues in Benoni South continues to be a thorn in the life of resident Zain Shah.

For the past two years, Shah has been actively trying to keep the area clean but his hard work goes unnoticed by people who keep on littering on the pavement of Moore Avenue while heaps of garbage keep piling up next to the reservoir on Balfour Avenue.

While the municipality has often sent a team to remove the garbage, Shah has maintained that it doesn’t help because “manual labour” is needed for a thorough clean-up.

Shah has acknowledged the city’s efforts but he said he wants municipal officials to come to the area to see the extent of the problem.

“I wish all of you could take a few minutes of your busy day to see what is happening in our street. Tyres are being burnt every night against the trees. Almost all the trees are damaged.

“You are sending out the TLB and trucks, it helps so much. But every time it comes it digs holes. One side of the road is cleaned but all papers that the wind carries get stuck in the long grass on the opposite side.

“I am begging you to please take a drive on the street to see for yourselves,” Shah said.

Also Read: Moore Avenue dumping: metro responds

Responding to questions sent by the City Times, the municipality said the problem is worsened by the illegal scrap metal businesses in the area.

“The illegal dumping spot in Moore Avenue is cleaned frequently, as it occurs. The illegal recycling that takes place on the open space adjacent to the complainant’s house exacerbates the re-occurrences of dumping,” said metro spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.

“The illegal recyclers were reported to the Benoni customer care area manager and the EMPD to assist. The city also deploys litter pickers on regular basis to clean the area although volumes of illegally disposed waste increase at a fast rate,” Dlamini added.

Shah stated that the dumping was exacerbated by the incomplete reservoir on the street.

“I am waiting for answers about the reservoir. What is it for? Who does it benefit? I see the security was removed. They have stolen the gates and people are now sleeping inside.”

According to the city, the construction of the reservoir began on January 15, 2018, and was supposed to be completed on July 25, 2019.

Dlamini stated that rainfall, political interference from the business forum and the installation of water supply and distribution pipes have resulted in the delay.

“The reservoir was built to benefit the residents of Benoni Central. It will be operational as soon as supply pipes and pump station are constructed.”

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