Phalaborwa battles escalating illegal dumping crisis

LIMPOPO – Escalating littering and illegal dumping are a big concern with residents concerned about the health risks it presents.

Used nappies, stripped copper cables, building rubble, garden refuse and bottles are among the many items that are dumped at various uncontrolled sites in town.

A concerned resident, Owen Dixon-Paver, says that the problem has been escalating over time and does not understand why the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality does not have the means to curb or educate people about the dangers of dumping.

He says that the people who are dumping either do not understand the dangers or they do not care.

“Dumping of nappies is hazardous. It is not a good look for our beautiful town which is a tourist destination. I believe a lot more education is needed, maybe if we start by teaching young children at school level about the impact of dumping rubbish and littering, maybe they would teach adults not to dump. I’m offering my services to teach people about dumping and I would appreciate if we can have more people to join forces in this quest because our town is becoming a dumping site,” he said.

Some of the dumping sites identified include behind Krugerpark Spar, Spekboom Street, Grey Street and an area near the Impala Park Stadium.

It has come to the Herald’s attention that dumping seems to persist despite various efforts by the municipality to arrange clean-up campaigns.

However, questions have been asked on the appointment of about 200 workers a few months ago to clean the town and if it has bared any fruit.

Municipality spokesperson Jonas Mahesu told the Herald that they are disappointed that dumping is persisting and encourage residents not to dump.

He concluded stating that signs prohibiting dumping will be put up at the sites where illegal dumping seems to persist.

To assist Dixon-Paver with his anti-dumping campaign, contact him at 083 703 9831.