Residents of Vusimuzi section are concerned about illegal dumping next to a children’s playground.
Vusimuzi is becoming a hive of illegal dumping, according to residents.
They say their clothes smell of smoke because of the nearby burnt rubbish and children sometimes play in the rubbish as the park is just opposite the illegal dump site.
DA councillor Thamahane Mabekanyane said upon visiting the area he was stopped by a frustrated resident, Ms Sibambo, who showed him further illegal dumping at the nearby informal ground.
“The metro has to make sure that by-laws regarding illegal dumping are enforced. There should be fines given and notices must be put up to show that whoever is found dumping will be held accountable,” said Thamahane.
Teddy Russia, a businessman who runs a supermarket opposite the dump site, said he was worried about customer numbers decreasing.
“They dump the rubbish in front of my shop and there is nothing we can do about it because they will tell you that this is not your space,” said Teddy.
“When they sometimes burn the rubbish, the smoke comes into the shop and it affects our health. There is food in here and the rubbish attracts flies.”
Kabelo Nhlapo, another nearby resident, said the people of the community are aware that it’s not acceptable to throw rubbish at the spot.
“People come here only at night or during the early hours of the morning when they go to work.”
“We had dumping signs which were removed, but the most important issue is the lack of dustbins. The bins of people who have tenants get full quickly and the municipality rubbish pick-up truck comes only on a Tuesday,” said Nhlapo.
