Paulshof residents secure spruit against illegal dumpers
After repeated illegal dumping along Paulshof’s greenbelts, residents have taken matters into their own hands, restoring an old gate to restrict vehicle access and protect the Braamfontein Spruit.
Frustrated Paulshof community members have taken a hands-on approach to protecting the Braamfontein Spruit after illegal dumping left parts of the suburb’s greenbelt littered with building rubble and waste.
The dumping site near the corner of Brackenhill and Stonehaven roads was first reported around June 26, with residents sharing photographs and videos of large trucks in local community groups. According to Jennie Staples, a committee member of the Paulshof Residents and Ratepayers Association (PRRA), residents reported the dumping to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (City Parks).
Read more: Councillor calls for order along Braamfontein Spruit
The dumped material included building rubble and cardboard boxes, and residents reported seeing rats at the site, which suggested other refuse had also been dumped there. “It’s an eyesore directly from people’s homes,” said Staples. “Beautiful walks along the river are now defaced with dumping.”
Residents were also concerned that rain could carry pollutants into the river and surrounding riverbanks.
While some rubble was removed after residents raised the issue, a significant amount remained until City Parks removed it in August. “Members of the local ratepayers associations wanted to prevent this area from becoming yet another easy access point for dumping,” Staples said.
Also read: Paulshof residents fight to keep Braamfontein Spruit clean
Staples said two gates and fencing had been installed by residents decades ago to restrict vehicle access to the open area, but the fencing had deteriorated, the gates had rusted, and the locks had disappeared. A local handyman repaired and painted the gate and installed a new lock at a cost of R1 480. The cost was shared by the PRRA and the Hof Residents Association, while Savika agreed to keep keys to allow access for security patrols.
Residents were subsequently asked to contribute towards the costs. Although the full amount was not recovered, Staples said the associations were grateful for the donations received.
Pikitup general manager Anthony Selepe urged residents who witness illegal dumping to report it to the JMPD, as illegal dumping is a waste by-law violation and enforcement falls under the JMPD. He encouraged residents to record the date and time of incidents and, where possible, photograph the vehicle and its registration number.
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said there was no excuse for illegal dumping and reminded residents and businesses that waste must be disposed of at licensed landfills or Pikitup sites.
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