The quiet, leafy suburb of Chartwell is facing a growing eyesore, and residents say the silence from authorities is making matters worse. What was once a scenic area for morning jogs and dog walks is now marred by heaps of rubble, household trash, and building debris.
Resident Rosalee Nel says the problem is not only ruining the area’s appearance; it’s affecting the way people live and interact with their neighbourhood. “We can’t even take runs to enjoy the area because of the filth lining the roads. Dumping here is an everyday occurrence. It’s not just unsightly; it’s unhygienic.”

Read more: Illegal dumping in Chartwell sparks resident outcry

The most recent dumping hotspot is along Watercombe Road, an area Nel believes is targeted because of its proximity to a composting site. She suspects that when the site is closed, individuals offload their waste along the roadside, instead of disposing of it properly.

Nel says she has reported the issue to ward councillor Rufas Maswazi and the City of Johannesburg multiple times without receiving a direct response. “This has been going on for far too long. The lack of action only encourages more dumping.”

She is calling for the installation of a clear ‘No Dumping’ sign and stricter enforcement against offenders.

Responding to the matter, Maswazi confirmed he had escalated the complaint to the city’s service delivery team, but “the response from Pikitup is still not forthcoming.”
He urged residents to report illegal dumping directly to Pikitup at 011 688 1500 or illegaldumping@pikitup.co.za.

Nel also complained that illegal dumping is not unique to Chartwell, as the poor gravel roads are nearly impassable after rain, leaving even refuse trucks unable to access plots. This has left the area looking like a landfill.

Residents said: “We just want our neighbourhood back… Clean, safe, and free from the filth that’s taking over our roads.”

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