The Gauteng Department of Environment has pledged to intervene in ongoing illegal dumping along Long Road in Northcliff, following renewed concerns from residents and local leadership.

Acting director Andrew Mathabathe confirmed on April 15 that the department had not previously received formal complaints about the site but acknowledged the issue after it was brought forward. He said the matter would be escalated to the relevant authorities, including the City of Johannesburg, for attention.

Read more: Northcliff dumping crisis spirals as Long Road hotspot exposes enforcement failures

Initial reports focused on one section of Long Road, but further investigation has revealed that the dumping now extends to the intersection of 12th Street and Long Road. This expansion highlights the growing scale of the problem.

Ward 86 councillor Chantelle Fourie-Shawe said illegal dumping is one of several pressing challenges. She attributed the problem to a lack of enforcement and accountability, saying the absence of consequences has allowed the issue to escalate. While the JMPD has limited capacity, she stressed that broader law enforcement intervention is required.

Efforts are now being explored to address the situation on Long Road. Fourie-Shawe indicated that she would engage by-law enforcement officials and request intervention, while also considering preventative measures such as surveillance.

Also read: Community pushes back against dumping and fires at Donga Park

The possibility of installing cameras, including through collaboration with private fibre providers or existing monitoring capacity, could be a solution, according to resident Anthony Labuschagne. Signage and increased visibility are also being considered to discourage further dumping. He called for improved monitoring, fencing, and cameras to identify those responsible.

However, Fourie-Shawe cautioned that solutions such as fencing may only shift the problem rather than eliminate it, as dumping could continue outside enclosed areas. Engagement with property owners has been identified as a priority, particularly where private land is affected.

Fourie-Shawe acknowledged that the issue is complex, involving both enforcement failures and broader social factors. She noted that some dumping may be linked to overcrowded properties and limited waste management options, while also pointing to property owners who fail to comply with regulations.

While the Department of Environment has committed to treating the matter with urgency, residents remain concerned about whether meaningful action will follow.

The publication contacted JMPD for official comment on the issue, to which Superintendent Xolani Fihla replied: “I’ll check with units working in the area.”