Illegal dumpsite in Glen Marais a cause for concern
Illegal dumping in the area has resulted in environmental pollution of the Reitvlei stream, as well as the WUL of the JJ Maritz Quary.
At the end of 2024, the Kempton Express, alongside Ward 15 Clr Amanda Davison, visited the illegal dumping site at JJ Maritz Quarry, where Davison encountered EMPD officers removing illegal land invaders from the nearby wetland.
“I trust that the site clean-up and rehabilitation will now proceed as promised by the MMC,” said Davison.
She noted that a clean-up of the site began in late 2023 but was never completed.
She added that the area continues to experience daily dumping and hazardous fires.
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“After months of unacknowledged communication with the Environment and Waste Department, I submitted questions to Eunice Matloga, the MMC for Environment and Waste Management, during the September 2023 council meeting,” said Davison.
Matloga had indicated that the department was coordinating resources to clean up the site due to its size and complexity, with plans to complete the project by the end of October 2023.
However, as of November 2024, Davison reports that the situation has worsened.
“Homeless individuals have returned to the site and are allegedly taking bribes from residents and companies, allowing them to dump waste.
“This has resulted in significant environmental pollution of the Rietvlei stream and poses a serious concern for the water use license of JJ Maritz Quarry,” Davison said.
During the November 28 council meeting, Davison posed several questions including when the cleanup of the site will be finalised.
Davison also asked for a timeline for completion and whether access to the site would be restricted by bollards, as stated by the MMC in September 2023.
She also asked for a date for the bollard installation and whether there was a plan to rehabilitate this site, including the Rietvlei stream.
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In her written reply, Matloga stated that the timeline for the clean-up was still being finalised.
“Given the urgency of the pollution and waste management issues, initial clean-up actions are expected to commence immediately and continue over the next six months,” said Matloga.
She emphasised that recurring illegal dumping had complicated efforts to complete the clean-up and that EMPD enforcement was being utilised to issue fines to perpetrators. Wardens have also been assigned to monitor the area continuously.
Regarding the bollards to restrict access, Matloga stated that the matter was referred to the Roads and Transport Department.
“This measure is critical to prevent unauthorised access and reduce environmental impact. Pending budget availability, the target date for installation is early 2025,” she said.
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Matloga outlined the rehabilitation plan for the site, which includes:
• Waste removal: Immediate removal of waste and hazardous materials.
• Environmental assessment: Evaluations to determine pollution levels and necessary remediation measures.
• Eco-restoration practices: Planting vegetation, restoring habitats along the Rietvlei stream, installing gabion walls to prevent erosion, developing an ecological park, and removing alien invasive vegetation.
• Community engagement: Involving local communities in monitoring and maintaining the site, while promoting sustainable practices to prevent future illegal dumping.
“This comprehensive plan aims to address the immediate pollution crisis while fostering a sustainable environment for the future,” said Matloga.
