Highway areas plagued by illegal dumping amid municipal strike
New Germany CPF chairperson has urged the public to make use of the landfill sites that the municipality has opened for the public.
DESPITE the City opening landfill sites for the public to discard their household waste, almost every corner in New Germany and Pinetown is filled to the brim with mounds of rubbish.
This follows an ongoing eThekwini Municipality workers’ strike where today (March 13) marks exactly two weeks.
The Clermont Garden Refuse and Transfer Station and the Wyebank Garden Refuse site are among the areas that people are now using as dumpsites. The piles of black bags, rotten food and garden refuse have been stacked on the roads, almost blocking the roads.
Also read: Residents stand together for better service delivery
New Germany CPF chairperson Lynn Robson said they have been overloaded with complaints of people illegally dumping, and they have taken number plates and are reporting these matters.
“We understand people’s frustrations, but they need to use the correct channels instead of dumping illegally. Last week, the City opened some landfill sites for people to dispose of their waste for free.
“People are leaving their areas and dumping here. This is also a residential area – there are also businesses – all this filth is attracting rats and snakes. It is also a health hazard.”
The strike has wreaked havoc in many communities that are left without electricity and water. Last week, Motala Heights residents closed off the exit and entrance to the area and also surrounding factories.
The protesters took to the streets after being without water for the past 11 days and electricity for 14 days.
Also read: City opens landfill sites to the public
To dispose of waste, residents are urged to utilise landfill sites closest to their households to drop off their domestic waste at no charge. These landfill facilities are also open to businesses.
The following landfill sites are available for residents to use:
1. Mariannhill Landfill Site at 1 Landfill Lane, Mariannhill.
2. Bisasar Road Landfill Site at 1 Dhulam Road, Springfield.
3. Buffelsdraai Landfill Site at 1 Buffelsdraai Lane, Iqadi Farm, Verulam.
4. Illovu Landfill Site off D982 Illovo Farm, Lower Illovo.
Operational hours are Monday to Friday from 07:00 to 16:30 and Saturday and Sunday from 07:00 to 15:30. Clean-up operations in the central business districts and other areas are being conducted by the City.
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