FOR more than a decade illegal dumping on Ryde Place and Malacca Road has been a longstanding problem in the Glen Hills area.

The piece of land closest to the Malacca Road Informal Settlement in particular has been turned into a health and environmental hazard which has seen residents, contractors, and businesses dumping an array of items, including household waste, building rubble, and hazardous materials.

Despite regular clean-ups by the community, Rivers Church and other municipal departments, illegal dumping has continued. The community and the Glen An-Hills Neighbourhood Watch called for a camera to be installed to prosecute law-breakers.

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Now, however, the installation of a new camera on Malacca Road by Marshall Security has led to a fightback, backed up by municipal and Durban Metro Police Service enforcement.

In the four months since the camera has been put up, 23 incidents have been flagged with illegal dumpers being caught red-handed.

The installation has been welcomed by the Greenwood Park CPF.

“This has been a longstanding issue in the Glen Hills area. Illegal dumping is a crime because it poses a health hazard for all. To hear already this camera has flagged 23 incidents in four months is just shocking. We’ve always felt that to respond effectively, a collective effort was needed involving Metro Police, private security, the CPF and the municipality.

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“We are grateful that this camera now gives us the best opportunity not only to deter illegal dumpers but prosecute those responsible too. This also frees up our members who cannot respond to every single incident of illegal dumping,” explained Michael Bester, the Greenwood Park CPF PRO.

Tyron Powell, the owner of Marshall Security, said with the area being monitored by an ANPR camera and an AI camera, they were able to respond much quicker.

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