Kempton Park residents alarmed as illegal dumping escalates
Despite clean-up efforts, lack of enforcement allows offenders to continue, leaving residents frustrated and calling for urgent action.
Ward Councillor Tracey Lourenco has raised serious concerns over the ongoing problem of illegal dumping in Kempton Park, warning that it poses both environmental and health risks for the community.
Lourenco described the situation as “out of control,” particularly along Green Avenue, between CR Swart and Plane Road, where illegal dumping has been occurring for the past three years.
“Residents have captured videos of perpetrators and even tried to block trucks at their own risk, yet there are absolutely no consequences for the criminals,” said Lourenco.
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She explained that dumping occurs hourly at numerous hotspots across the area, with offenders leaving behind building rubble, household waste, and bins.
“Some people are so brazen that they dump in broad daylight, including local residents,” she added.
The councillor stressed that illegal dumping is a serious health and environmental risk.
“It attracts rodents, increases infestations in areas such as Esther Park, and contaminates wetlands when rain causes toxic leachate to flow into the environment,” Lourenco said.
Despite ongoing clean-up efforts by the waste department, the sheer volume of dumped material makes it difficult to keep up.
Lourenco pointed to the lack of law enforcement, monitoring, and penalties as major obstacles.
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“Our once-beautiful areas, including the entrance to sporting facilities and the Kempton Golf Club, are now an embarrassment for visitors and residents alike,” she said.
The councillor is calling for immediate interventions, including the installation of barriers to prevent vehicle access to dumping sites, improved lighting for monitoring by law enforcement at night, and heavy fines and legal consequences for offenders.
“Our environment is one of our most important assets. Without it, future generations will be deprived of a clean and healthy space to live. Section 24(b) of the Constitution enshrines the right to a clean environment, and we must act now,” she urged.
Residents are encouraged to report illegal dumping via the City of Ekurhuleni App and the EMPD.
