Regarding a recent email highlighting dumping in Azaadville, DA Party Representative Councillor for Azaadville, Saleem Jassat fully agrees that it is extremely disgusting to see the pavements of this town being dumped with all sorts of rubbish ranging from rotten food, building rubble, garden refuse, cardboard boxes, fallen trees and broken glass bottles.
“This creates a health risk to many and is an unpleasant sight for visitors and residents alike. This has been an eyesore for several years with the Council not intervening,” says Jassat.
“Rats and other rodents are prevalent, swarming around rubbish heaps. Fires are lit at these illegal dumping spots to make space for new rubbish. Our atmosphere is being polluted daily due to the indecency of certain residents and negligence by the authorities.
“Although I do not condone such practices, I do not fully blame residents for dumping at the nearest open piece of ground as the dump yard of Azaadville is definitely not properly equipped to handle all sorts of rubbish. The gravel road leading to the skip is always laden with nails which damage the tyres of the vehicle offloading. Perhaps this is partially the cause of illegal dumping.
“However residents at least should have some consideration for our atmosphere and not just dump anywhere. Every religion I know teaches cleanliness and we all know the proverb – cleanliness is close to godliness. Yet we ignore the importance of living clean. Gone are the days when high importance was given to cleanliness and health.
“It is every resident’s responsibility to make sure he/she adheres to the Council by-laws and not dispose of refuse wherever they feel. Moreover it is imperative that the Council provide user-friendly dump facilities by including more skip bins and ramps making it easier to offload. To facilitate the dumping of building rubble, landfill sites should be nearer.
“In the past, municipalities used to prune trees regularly, faded road markings were repainted and pavements were swept and de-weeding were being done regularly. Potholes and streetlights were fixed without residents needing to phone in to complain. Maintenance was done throughout the year and the town was kept clean, neat and lit up. Trees were planted occasionally on side walks and town entrances by the municipality and all this was done from the rates and taxes paid by residents.
“It is very sad that our rates go up, but our services become less.
“More concrete bins should be provided on sidewalks, school perimeters and in commercial areas. Simple things such as these would create a neater, safer and healthier place to live in. This is a humble appeal to the community of Azaadville that we take care of our surroundings and not disregard by-laws, and to the authorities, we appeal to you that urgent steps be taken to improve the current situation,” ends Jassat.
