HOEDSPRUIT – Illegal dumping has resurfaced as a growing concern in Hoedspruit, only weeks after a major cleanup operation in the area, previously occupied by residents of Plastic View informal settlement.

The site, which was devastated by a recent shack fire, had been cleared with the assistance of Build It, Hlokomiere, and the Maruleng Municipality.

The blaze, fuelled by strong winds, swept rapidly through the settlement and left approximately 200 residents homeless as close to 100 shacks burned down within hours.

Although the fire caused extensive damage and displaced dozens of families, no injuries or fatalities were reported. In the aftermath, officials and community members mobilised to provide emergency relief, and discussions surrounding the possible relocation of affected residents have since begun.

Night-time dumping raises alarm

Ward 1 councillor Christine du Preez said on a Facebook post that, despite the collective effort that went into restoring the area, new problems have emerged.

“Residents report that rubble and construction waste are now being dumped at the site during the night, when no one is around to witness or deter the activity. According to community members, the illegal dumping has escalated to the point where Sanral has contacted local representatives to raise an alarm over the unauthorised disposal of boulders and other debris. The land in question belongs to Sanral, and its use requires formal approval from the organisation’s head office in Pretoria. Without such authorisation, dumping of any kind remains strictly prohibited,” said Du Preez.

She warns that if the dumping continues unchecked, the area risks deteriorating into the same state of disarray seen along the Mariepskop road, where unmanaged waste has accumulated over time.

Concerns grow as festive tourism peaks

“The concern comes as Hoedspruit enters its busiest period of the year, with December tourism already in full swing. Community members note that the presence of rubble has encouraged some individuals to discard household waste, including black refuse bags, under the assumption that the site is already compromised. This pattern, they say, could quickly spiral into a larger environmental and public health issue,” she added.

Those who witness dumping are encouraged to make private contact with Du Preez.

Residents and officials alike are calling for responsibility at a time when Hoedspruit is working to present itself at its best for the holiday season.