Illegal dumpsite in Glen Marais finally cleared
“Much more work is still needed, including site rehabilitation and long-term enforcement to prevent repeat offences.”
After years of frustration over the looming environmental disaster in Glen Marais, Ward 15 Clr Amanda Davison has confirmed that the long-overdue clearing of the illegal dumpsite along Old Pretoria Road has finally been completed.
In October 2023, Kempton Express reported that an unknown construction company had dumped building rubble next to the J&J Maritz Quarry off Old Pretoria Road in 2022, turning the site into a hotspot for illegal dumping.
The situation worsened during the 2023 waste collection backlog when residents began dumping their household refuse at the site.
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At the time, Davison warned that the dumping created a dangerous living environment for the homeless who had moved into the area.
During a September 2023 council sitting, MMC for Environment and Waste Management Eunice Matloga confirmed that the area would be cleared and a concrete barrier installed to prevent further illegal dumping.
However, the promised clean-up was never fully completed, and by December 2023, the project had stalled, leading to renewed dumping and the return of homeless individuals to the site.
Davison previously expressed her frustration with the lack of resources in the city and the Environment and Waste Management (EWM) department, which had exacerbated the situation.
She also noted that the EMPD lacked sufficient resources to monitor illegal dumping hotspots like the J&J Maritz Quarry.
“There are still households that do not have wheelie bins. The Solid Waste Department must conduct service point audits to ensure every property has bins or skips,” Davison had said at the time.
She also raised concerns about pollution from the illegal dumping, which had caused chemical seepage into natural waterways, wetlands, and the stream running through Erasmus Farm, Serengeti, and into the Rietvlei Dam, which serves as part of Tshwane’s water supply.
Kempton Express recently joined Davison during a site visit and found the area cleared.
“After four failed attempts to address the issue due to a lack of resources, coordination, and recurring dumping, I am pleased to confirm that the site is finally being cleared,” said Davison.
“While this marks significant progress, a considerable amount of work remains, including the proper rehabilitation of the land to prevent future abuse and to ensure community safety.”
Davison said that while the clean-up was a positive development, it was only the first step towards restoring the area.
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“Much more work is still needed, including site rehabilitation and long-term enforcement to prevent repeat offences.”
She urged residents and businesses to report any illegal dumping activity immediately and to make use of authorised waste disposal services.
“Together, we can reclaim and restore our public spaces. Let’s keep Ward 15 clean and accountable,” Davison concluded.
