Tracy Kensey, suburb manager for Sunninghill Community Ratepayers Association, said the corner of Witkoppen Road and Maxwell Drive in Sunninghill is becoming a recurring illegal dumping hotspot, with poor lighting and vandalised streetlights believed to be contributing to the problem.

Kensey recently caught a man allegedly dumping waste at the site after dark. “We caught a man dumping here a couple of weeks ago, and, thankfully, Savika Security responded quickly. It was a garden service company operating in the area. He claimed he was dropping off firewood for someone, but it was clearly not firewood.”

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She said the lack of functioning streetlights has made it easier for offenders to dump waste under the cover of darkness. “There is building rubble, stripped electrical cables, and other waste lying around. The streetlights have been vandalised and because it’s so dark, people feel they can dump here without being seen. It’s becoming very difficult to manage, and we need the city to help by improving the lighting and putting measures in place to stop the dumping.”

Anthony Selepe, Pikitup spokesperson, confirmed that they are aware of the illegal dumping at the site, having received complaints from residents. The entity said the area is scheduled for weekly clean-ups, but acknowledged that current cash-flow constraints have affected its ability to maintain that schedule.

“There is a weekly schedule to clear the site, but due to current cash-flow issues there are insufficient resources to adhere to the weekly clearance schedule.”

Also read: Pikitup flags ongoing dumping crisis in Farmall

Selepe added that enforcement of illegal dumping falls under the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and encouraged residents who witness incidents to report them, providing photographs, vehicle registration numbers, and the date and time where possible.

He also urged residents and businesses to refrain from dumping waste illegally, warning that illegal dumping creates health hazards, degrades the environment, and discourages investment in the city.

City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said there are currently no streetlights awaiting repair in Sunninghill on City Power’s side, while Ronel Kotze, of Eskom Gauteng, said the streetlights are not their responsibility.

Xolani Fihla, JMPD’s spokesperson, was contacted for comment and Fourways Review will continue to communicate with City Power and Eskom on who is responsible for the Sunninghill streetlights.

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