Councillor calls for action against littering e-hailing drivers in Midrand
The councillor says the Greig Street area has increasingly transformed into a prominent and notorious dumping ground, where food scraps and remnants of waste are frequently abandoned by e-hailing drivers.
Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe expressed deep concern regarding the alarming prevalence of litter on pavement areas around the ward, particularly in the Greig Street area.
Deppe said the area has become a notable dumping ground for food and waste remnants left by e-hailing drivers.
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“The sight of breakfast and lunch remains on our streets is both shocking and unacceptable,” said Deppe. “It is disheartening to see how irresponsibly some individuals dispose of their waste. We cannot allow our community to be treated like a rubbish bin. It is everyone’s responsibility to clean up after themselves.”
The councillor said the parked vehicles of rideshare drivers should not be accompanied by an onslaught of litter. She urged the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) to act swiftly and enforce existing laws against littering in the community.
“Littering not only detracts from the beauty of our surroundings but also poses a bigger threat to public health and safety. I implore the JMPD to step up and take necessary actions in preventing littering, and hold offenders accountable.”
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Deppe is committed to working collaboratively with local stakeholders, and law enforcement, to ensure that the community is respected and maintained for everyone to enjoy. “Let us all work together to keep our streets clean and uphold the standard of our public spaces. Everyone must do their part to dispose of waste properly and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.”
JMPD spokesperson superintendent Xolani Fihla said the department was not aware of the illegal dumping on Greig Street. “However, a team was sent to investigate, and nothing was found. Officers will monitor the area for any transgressors,” said Fihla.
“The JMPD has a dedicated team within the By-law Management Unit, which was established to combat illegal dumping. This team has been deployed to monitor and put a stop to illegal dumpers, and when caught red-handed or traced, they are issued a fine.
“We urge residents to report illegal dumpers using the anti-illegal dumping WhatsApp hotline. We also urge residents to take clear photos of the illegal dumping, as well as the number plate of the vehicle, then send these pictures, together with the date, time, and location of the illegal dumping. Clearing of dumping sites is the responsibility of Pikitup, and residents can call Joburg Connect to log a call.”
To report illegal dumping call Pikitup on 0860 562 874, 011 375 5555, 010 055 5990, or WhatsApp the anti-illegal dumping hotline at 082 779 1361.
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