New developments have surfaced to put an end to illegal dumping at Norkem Park Transfer Station.
Ward councillor Gideon van Zyl told EXPRESS that a meeting between the metro’s waste department, metro police, Mcdonald’s Norkem Park, ward councillor Desmond Mckenzie and other stakeholders was held to discuss the findings of the Public Protector’s report regarding the transfer station.
“As a result of the meeting the metro has issued a purchase order for the repair of the compactor at the transfer station which has to be fixed by the end of October,” said Van Zyl.
“To help prevent more people from dumping next to the transfer station, Mcdonald’s is willing to adopt the area near where the dumping takes place and extend its fence. They just need the buy-in from the metro.
“Mcdonald’s has also undertaken to install a high definition CCTV system that will pick up dumpsters. The fast food restaurant is also willing to sponsor signs with the metro’s contact details that can be used to report dumping. The signs will be erected inside the fast food restaurant’s fence.”
Van Zyl also said Norkem Park Transfer Station is not to be used for non-compactable waste. “The station should only be used for garden waste and nothing else.”
“If you have non-compactable waste like building rubble, old geysers and TVs you are welcome to take it to the Chloorkop dumping site.
“We are also looking to educate the community around recycling options which will help reduce the volume of refuse and create a more ecological-friendly environment. The community needs to take ownership and work with the metro.”
According to Van Zyl, strict measures will be put in place to ensure there is no more illegal dumping.
“Mcdonald’s has employed a security company that will monitor the site and the CCTV system,” he said.
“The system is very good. It will also be able to detect and capture licence plates. The metro police are willing to prosecute and issue fines to those found to be dumping at the site. They have committed to sending an officer to issue fines should there be reports of such acts. The fine is R3 000.
“The days of illegal dumping are finished.”
Van Zyl said people can contact the Ekurhuleni Fraud Hotline on 0860 102 201 to report people accepting or offering bribes.
To communicate to the community about the steps taken, a public meeting will be held on October 23 at Kempton Park Civic Centre in the council chambers at 6.30pm.
“The community is welcome to join ward councillors, the waste department, metro police and other stakeholders at the meeting,” said Van Zyl.
