Paulshof residents have expressed their appreciation for the swift response from Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (City Parks) after illegal dumping along the Braamfontein Spruit left a section of the popular green belt littered with rubble and waste.

According to June Julyan, of the Paulshof Residents and Ratepayers Association, the particular dumping site was first reported around June 26, after residents shared photos and videos on local community groups showing large trucks allegedly dumping waste near the spruit. She said the site contained building rubble, cardboard boxes, and other waste. “It’s an eyesore directly from people’s homes. Beautiful walks along the river are now defaced with dumping. Rubbish attracts rats. There will be run-off into the river once the rain starts, polluting the river as well as the river banks. It’s unsafe.”

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While residents initially struggled to get the matter resolved, they were encouraged when City Parks began clearing the remaining rubble. “The issue was reported to Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department numerous times, but, to our knowledge, nothing was done, as the dumping continued. Somebody managed to get the dumpers to remove some of the rubble, but they did not take it all. A significant amount of rubble remained.”

Residents have since welcomed City Parks’ intervention, saying the clean-up demonstrates the positive impact that responsive municipal services can have when communities raise concerns. “Keeping the Braamfontein Spruit free from illegal dumping is important, not only to preserve one of Paulshof’s valued natural spaces, but also to protect the river ecosystem, prevent pollution, safeguard wildlife, and ensure residents can continue enjoying the area’s walking trails and open spaces.”

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Looking ahead, the Paulshof Ratepayers Association hopes preventative measures will be introduced to stop illegal dumping from recurring. “We need some sort of fencing or bollards to prohibit easy entry from Witkoppen Road. We would also like to see significant punishment for the offence which defaces our beautiful open spaces, and causes the authorities to have to spend money they don’t have in removing the dumping.”

Jenny Moodley, spokesperson from City Parks, said: “Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo will note the concerns raised by residents and arrange for the area to be assessed. Should the assessment indicate the need for further intervention, additional clean-up operations may be scheduled to address waste accumulation and to protect the environmental health of the spruit and the surrounding parkland. “

She also encouraged residents to continue reporting pollution, illegal dumping, or environmental concerns. “Community involvement remains critical in helping the city maintain clean, safe, and environmentally sustainable public open spaces.”

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