The bushy corner of Le Roux Avenue and Berger Road has become a notorious spot for illegal dumping, with more bags of litter found at the site on August 22.

Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe emphasises that illegal dumping is one of the community’s most urgent challenges.

Read more: Sewage leaks, litter and dumping plague Vorna Valley

“The common types of waste being dumped are mostly building rubble and household waste,” she explained. “Firstly, it is an eyesore, it messes up our environment, and it is a health concern.”

Deppe called attention to the systemic issues within the city’s waste management framework. She highlighted that Johannesburg is severely lacking in dumping sites, while Pikitup is overwhelmed by the volume of waste.

“Pikitup does not have the manpower or the equipment for the sheer volume,” she said. “The Environmental Department in the city has the lowest budget. There are bins, but they also don’t get cleared regularly.”

To address the litter crisis in the city, the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) partnered with Pikitup earlier this year on several infrastructure projects aimed at improving waste management across the city. Part of this initiative includes the ongoing upgrade of the Midrand depot in Rabie Ridge.

JDA CEO Themba Mathibe had emphasised the importance of these efforts: “These waste management projects are key to ensuring a cleaner, more efficient Johannesburg.”

In the meantime, residents are strongly encouraged to take action by reporting illegal dumping to Pikitup at 011 688 1500 or via email at illegaldumping@pikitup.co.za.

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