Community urges Pikitup to act on neglected Fairland dumpsite
The Fairland dumpsite is becoming a growing concern, as weeds overtake the area and indigents make it their home. Community organisations are advocating to clean up the site in order to make it a safe environment.
The Fairland dumpsite has remained closed for nearly two years following its shutdown by Pikitup, leading to significant concerns from residents and stakeholders.
Beverley Jacobs, Ward 98 councillor, has been vocal about the ongoing issues regarding the cleaning of the overgrown grass and weeds. She stated that the lack of action regarding the dumpsite has been a problem for over a year.
Read more: Pikitup really needs to pick it up
Jacobs advocates for the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD)or Pikitup to grant permission to private stakeholders to clean up the site. She emphasised the need to cut the grass, level the ground, and safely store debris until GDARD decides on a course of action. “It has become an environmental problem. Displaced individuals use it as a toilet facility, and it is badly overgrown. I am advocating for stakeholders to come in and level the ground, clean and patch it up, and to just bring a bit of order to the dumpsite. It is a problem as we do not want an unsafe and unwell environment. Pikitup needs to manage the site properly.”
However, she expressed frustration at receiving no co-operation from either Pikitup or GDARD suggesting a neglectful approach that fails to instill confidence in the community.
Frikkie Nel, from the Beagle Watch environmental team, detailed several ongoing challenges associated with the Fairland dumpsite. He noted that the site has not been cleared since its closure, leading to displaced individuals occupying the area and creating a hazardous environment.
“The temporary fence erected around the site is poorly constructed and has fallen, leaving the area vulnerable to further encampments and misuse. Beagle Watch has been actively involved in addressing the situation for about two years, successfully enclosing Market Street Park with clear-view fencing to protect the nearby Laerskool Fairland, which has a 10-year lease on the property.” This fencing project was funded through donations from various community members and organisations.
Also read: Pikitup fined R5m over Fairland dump
Andre Swanepoel, of Community Cleaners, has offered to assist with the cleanup efforts. Swanepoel stated that they have offered to clean the site twice for free, which includes cutting grass and weeding.
Additionally, Beagle Watch has proposed bringing in a grader to level the area and remove debris.
Both Jacobs and Nel stressed the importance of collaboration between the council and community stakeholders to allow for a thorough cleanup of the Fairland dumpsite.
They believe that clearing the site would enable the completion of the fence, ultimately restoring safety and order to the area.
Muzi Mkhwanazi, spokesperson of Pikitup, stated that the future of the site lies in the decision of GDARD. “Pikitup appealed the fine that was imposed and is awaiting a decision on whether to continue with the upgrading of the site or not from them. They imposed a fine on us for not completing with its prescripts before clearing the site for renovations.”
The Northcliff Melville Times approached GDARD for comment, however none was forthcoming by time of publishing.
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