Residents are reminded that pavements and road verges are public property, and piling up soil, sand, or rubble outside your yard could land you in trouble with the municipality.

A growing number of residents have been spotted leaving heaps of dug-up soil and other debris along pavements and near stormwater drains.

While it may seem harmless, this practice is actually against the City of Johannesburg by-laws and poses several risks to both the community and infrastructure.

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JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said, “You cannot deposit or leave any building or excavated materials, including sand, stone, or bricks, on a public road, sidewalk, or footway without prior written permission from the council,” said Fihla.

“If permission is granted, the materials must be placed within an enclosure.” Fihla added that the regulations are designed to prevent obstructions, ensure safety, and protect public infrastructure.

“You must take reasonable precautions to prevent materials from damaging the road surface or creating hazards for pedestrians and motorists.

Any spills must be removed immediately. If the council is forced to clean up, it can recover the costs from the responsible person.”

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He further warned that placing any object on a public road that causes obstruction or poses a danger to pedestrians and traffic is prohibited.

Residents have also raised concerns that soil and rubble left along verges are not only unsightly but can block walkways, clog stormwater drains, and increase the risk of flooding during heavy rains.

Fihla urged residents to dispose of soil and building waste responsibly through municipal collection services or by taking it to authorised waste disposal sites, as suburbs continue to grow and more homeowners take on landscaping or renovation projects.

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