Brixton resident Jameel Karim is raising alarms over ongoing safety and sanitation concerns in his community, a problem that first affected him in 2025 and continues into the new year.
Since a new scrapyard opened approximately six to eight months ago, Karim says illegal activities linked to the business have worsened street conditions, with waste and stolen metal reportedly being brought from local dumps. “Pikitup security has confronted the scrapyard about buying stolen metal, but wires and cables are still being bought from unknown sources.”
Karim has video evidence of these transactions. “This has only exacerbated theft in the area.”
Read more: Scrapyard dealers contribute to City thefts
The scrapyard’s illegal activity isn’t limited to stolen metal. Karim highlighted the construction of illegally built rooms on the property, which are overloading the local sewerage system and causing sewage to flow onto nearby streets.
Illegal dumping has also worsened since Karim first raised the issue in 2025. Residents have observed large amounts of dirt and debris being dumped, creating informal sorting areas and contributing to fires from burning wires intended for resale at the scrapyard. “It has got so bad that I can no longer manage the main area across the road. I only clean the small park opposite my house to maintain some level of order.”
The broader impact on homeowners is severe. Beggars sorting through rubbish near the scrapyard make the area feel unsafe, discouraging visitors and restricting children from playing outside. “It’s extremely disheartening when family refuse to visit because of the unsafe environment.”
Despite repeated efforts to engage with authorities since 2025, enforcement has been minimal. “I’ve contacted JMPD many times via WhatsApp and email with images and addresses, but no real action has been taken.”
Also read: Illegal dumping causes infrastructure damage
Looking forward, Karim emphasised the need for comprehensive solutions to restore Brixton’s historic and cultural image:
- Remove illegal scrapyards from residential areas,
- Install clear ‘No Dumping’ signage in key areas,
- Impose fines through JMPD enforcement to deter dumping,
- Repair drains and pavements to prevent rubble and sewage overflow, and
- Hold landlords accountable for illegal construction or operations that compromise community safety.
“Brixton should be a clean, livable area residents can be proud of. We need enforcement, infrastructure repairs, and responsible property owners so we can finally say, ‘We stay in Brixton’.”
JMPD was approached for comment, but had not replied at the time of going to press.
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