Damage to Redhill Cemetery wall will be investigated, says City
The ward councillor expressed his outrage over the damage to the cemetery wall.
THE eThekwini Municipality says it will investigate the destruction of a section of the Redhill Cemetery fence on Ryde Place.
Residents from Ryde Place say they are outraged over clean-up attempts allegedly made by the eThekwini Municipality.
They allege a TLB moved the illegally dumped items into heaps on one side of the road and covered them with piles of soil, leading to a section of the wall collapsing – a section that encloses the green belt around the cemetery.
While some panels of the concrete wall have been destroyed or vandalised by criminal elements, the newly damaged section may lead to easier access for illegal dumpers, argue residents.
Related story: Illegal dumping worsens on Ryde Place
Ward 110 councillor Aamir Abdul expressed shock over the destruction of the cemetery wall.
“When I was informed that the City would clean up, I didn’t anticipate this outcome. Illegal dumping has long plagued Ryde Place, but simply burying dumped rubbish under heaps of soil is not a solution. The weight of these sand piles, combined with the hidden rubbish, led to the collapse of a section of the wall, exacerbating the issue and making it easier to dump in the exposed green belt. I’m also deeply concerned about the erosion of the bank on the opposite side of the road due to sand removal. I intend to escalate this matter with the municipality.”
While the eThekwini Municipality did not comment in length on the destruction of the cemetery wall, City spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said the matter would be investigated.
“The City will install ‘No Dumping’ signboards in hotspots to deter residents and businesses from illegally dumping. We will continue to issue fines to those who are found dumping illegally. We urge residents to own their public spaces by refraining from illegally dumping and reporting anyone seen dumping in the area. Regarding the damaged fence, this matter is being investigated,” she said.
Speaking on clean-up efforts across the City, Sisilana said a multi-disciplinary team consisting of several units within the City was clearing waste and taking it to the landfill sites.
Also read: Glen An-Hills Neighbourhood Watch takes action against illegal dumping
“There is an ongoing education and awareness programme through the City’s social media pages where residents, visitors and other stakeholders are urged to follow proper waste management practices which include avoiding illegal dumping and taking out their refuse in the morning of their scheduled collection days. Local structures comprised of community forums and other public engagements are used to create awareness about the importance of keeping open spaces clean,” she said.
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