NEWCASTLE – Used nappies and plastic bags are becoming synonymous with Hathorn Street.
Although the offenders are yet to be identified, the residents responsible have transformed the road in Fernwood into a makeshift dumping site.
Read: Illegal dumping stinks up Pyrenees Place
The refuse has even made its way into a nearby stream.
The fetid state of Hathorn Street was brought to the attention of the municipality and Ward 3 Councillor, Matthew Shunmugam earlier this month.
“I think some residents do not appreciate the fact that the service is rendered at their doorstep,” said Cllr Shunmugam.
Stating residents had to be vigilant and report offenders, he expressed the opinion some condoned the wrongdoing instead of acting decisively and caring for their ‘back yard’.
“I also think some residents are inconsiderate as they do not feel the brunt of the problem.”
Cllr Shunmugam said the Hathorn Street area was cleaned twice in two weeks, only to have the problem resurface.
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Moving the bins did not change the situation.
“If we move the bins, the problem gets transferred to another area and someone else becomes the victim of this illegal dumping.”
According to Cllr Shunmugam, an agreement would see the area cleaned of refuse, whereafter a security guard would be posted.
He also mentioned a possible name-and-shame campaign.
“Photograph the offenders and post on social media – this may deter the offenders.”
Cllr Shunmugam concluded to say residents did pay for domestic refuse removal, and called on them to utilise skips for disposal of garden refuse only.
Director of Community Services, Mandla Sithole said he would deal with the situation.
He stated it was difficult to respond to particular instances of non-collection of waste, as there were many challenges facing the department in respect of collection, transportation and dumping at the landfill.
Also read: Illegal dumping mars suburbs
