Lonehill businessman spends R16k to clear Ginger Park of decades of illegal dumping
The local businessman has taken matters into his own hands, funding a clean-up with 15 trucks to restore safety, dignity, and cleanliness to the Ginger Farm informal settlement area.
A long-standing illegal dumping site near the Ginger Farm informal settlement has finally been cleared, thanks to the effort and generosity of local businessman David Bakker, who personally paid for the removal of burning rubbish and building debris that had spread onto Witkoppen Road.
Bakker has run a business in the area for years and has watched the dumping site grow for more than 23 years.
He said that despite residents filing multiple complaints with Pikitup, the issue remained without action from officials, which pushed him to take action.
Read more: Gauteng MEC leads cleaning of Clay Oven dumping site after months of resident appeals
“I’ve seen this mess for more than two decades. Residents kept reporting it, and nothing changed. I felt it was time to give back and take action,” Bakker said.
He spent over R16 000 and arranged for 15 truckloads of waste removal to clear the rubbish, debris, and smouldering refuse that posed health risks and created an eyesore for the community.
The dumping had gotten so bad that rubble began spilling onto both sides of Witkoppen Road, creating dangers for pedestrians and drivers.
Bakker noted that illegal dumping has a wide impact: “This affects people’s health, and it also lowers property values in the area. It’s not just an inconvenience; it harms the whole community.”
To prevent the area from falling back into neglect, he plans to visit the site once a month to check its condition and organise clean-ups if needed.
Also read: Community fed up as illegal dumping blights Farmall
Ward 94 councillor David Foley thanked Bakker for his action, calling it a strong example of community leadership.
“Many thanks to private citizen David Bakker, who funded the removal of the burning refuse and rubble. This shows what active citizenship is all about. Just a note, he doesn’t even live in this ward. Well done, David,” said Foley.
Fourways Review reached out to PikitUp spokesperson Muzi Mkwanazi, and he acknowledged the inquiry and said he will revert.
More information will be provided once it becomes available.
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