Westdene was the focus of the City of Johannesburg’s Citizen Relations and Urban Management (CRUM) high-impact service delivery operation on August 26, as multiple municipal entities joined forces to address long-standing by-law infringements, illegal dumping, and neglected public spaces.

The operation formed part of CRUM’s routine yearly and quarterly plans, which identify wards experiencing recurring service delivery problems.

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CRUM representative Xolani Khumalo said Westdene was prioritised due to persistent illegal dumping, non-compliant businesses, problem properties, and environmental concerns, including conditions surrounding a local old age home.

“Among the issues identified were illegal dumping along major roads, unapproved building alterations, abandoned properties contributing to urban decay, and by-law contraventions linked to businesses operating in the area,” said Khumalo.

Co-ordinated approach to service delivery

The operation saw Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo focus on horticultural maintenance, including tree trimming, the removal of alien vegetation such as bugweed, and clearing overgrown shrubs, while other municipal entities dealt with their respective responsibilities.

Khumalo explained that the co-ordinated approach allows departments to work together instead of operating independently. “Weekly planning meetings between municipal entities help ensure work is synchronised, from vegetation clearing and waste removal to road reinstatement and infrastructure repairs.”

Also read: Why you should call Crum for service delivery

Residents urged to report issues early

He acknowledged that cleaning illegal dumping hotspots is only one part of the solution. Khumalo stressed that long-term success depends on residents reporting illegal dumping, lawlessness, and by-law infringements as early as possible through ward councillors or urban inspectors.

He also encouraged residents to assist by monitoring cleaned areas and supporting community safety initiatives, saying municipal interventions alone cannot prevent dumping or recurring criminal activity.

Follow-up questions submitted

The publication has submitted additional questions to CRUM seeking further details on the operation, including how many administrative fines, written notices, or statutory notices were issued to non-compliant businesses and problem property owners, and when follow-up inspections by urban inspectors are scheduled to take place. Responses were not received by the time of publication. The article will be updated once received.

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