AfriForum highlights illegal dumping in Paulpiet

THE community of Paulpietersburg informed civil rights organization AfriForum of a serious problem with illegal dumping in the town. Residents sent photographs to the AfriForum Paulpietersburg branch of piles of medical waste allegedly dumped by medical practitioners, and a dog carcass allegedly dumped by a Chinese community member.

“The registration number of a vehicle that was used to dump litter illegally was also sent to our management team. We have placed the Dumbe Local Municipality on terms and demanded that the waste be removed in order for the environment be return to its natural state,” said Chris Fourie, Provincial Coordinator for AfriForum in KZN.

“In terms of the Constitution, everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health. Local municipalities are responsible for ensuring that waste management services are provided to the communities they serve, as stated in Section 9(1) of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (No. 59 of 2008). It is important for the Municipality to abide by the regulations. In terms of national environmental legislation, polluting the environment or a water resource, which poses a health risk, is a criminal offence,” Mr Fourie added.

AfriForum has also opened a criminal case against the owner of the vehicle which was witnessed dumping the waste.