Open space turned into illegal dumping site

There is growing concern among Seatide residents regarding illegal dumping and overgrown bushes on the corner of Watson Highway and the M4 circle.

The overgrown area used to be an open space used by the public to relax.

But after the April floods last year, the “park” was used as a dumping site for the debris removed from the roads, while concrete barriers were also placed there.

At the time Department of Transport employees allegedly said it was only a temporary measure and the site would be cleared later.

This has not been done and weeds have grown around the debris, attracting illegal dumpers.

Nazir Sadack, team leader for the volunteer Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and chairman of the Tongaat CPF, said residents had complained that the bushes now obstruct the view of motorists driving on Genazzano Road where it joins Watson Highway.

“With Sanral re-instating toll fees soon, this road is going to be busier and the bush is a serious safety hazard,” said Sadack.

He said this also offered a hiding spot for criminals. In the past two weeks, at least two domestic workers were mugged by criminals hiding there.

Councillor Geoff Pullan said he was aware of the problem and had repeatedly contacted the Department of Transport to attend to it.

“Regarding illegal dumping, ward 58 residents can send me the photos and the number plates of the vehicles, and make sure to include date, location and time, so that I can report it to the metro police,” said Pullan.

The department had not responded by the time of going to print.

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