The utter devastation of illegal dumping
The rubble which is made up of mostly asbestos roof sheeting, roof tiles, gutters, broken windows, toilets and other building debris, lay in heaps for kilometers along the road.
What price does Mother Nature pay for causing ‘destruction’?
Three months after a devastating hailstorm destroyed some homes in Lennoxton and Fernwood, residents are still picking up the pieces.
However, the aftermath still lay along the road to the weir in Fernwood, as building rubble and debris was being dumped illegally.
A resident of Fernwood, made her frustrations known when she took to social media regarding the matter.
“While our community has to be applauded for the way in which they stood together and helped those in need, another side of the coin is the complete disregard for our environment by some individuals. Why do you think that our weather system is changing so drastically. Do you think that dumping your building rubble on the weir road has no consequences?” she asked.
The rubble which is made up of mostly asbestos roof sheeting, roof tiles, gutters, broken windows, toilets and other building debris, lay in heaps for kilometers along the road.
“Asbestos is not biodegradable and it is extremely detrimental to our health. I live on the weir road. When the wind blows, we are going to be breathing in this carcinogen. Do you think that the stuff you are dumping is going to magically disappear?” said the irate resident.
She went on to ask if the perpetrators expected a third party to clean up the mess created by them.
She queried why the residents do not dispose of the rubble at the designated dumpsite near Madadeni.
The matter was escalated to Ward Three Councillor, Matthew Shunmugam who condemned the action of these non-caring town residents.
“Firstly, residents need to refrain from dumping illegally. There are by-laws against dumping and the fine stands at R750 to the offenders,” he warned.
Cllr Shunmugam believed the fines needed to be increased, as at present they were not a deterrent.
“Illegal dumping is perpetuated because there is no enforcement. An Enforcement Unit which will address land invasion, illegal dumping and transgressions is currently being formed,” he concluded.
The following questions were sent through to the Head of Communications at the Newcastle Municipality, Dr Dumisani Thabethe regarding illegal dumping:
1. What measures is the municipality taking to curb this social misbehaviour?
2. Can perpetrators be fined if they are caught dumping illegally?
3. Where can residents dispose of rubble in a legal manner?
“We have responded several times on issues related to illegal dumping. I really don’t think there is anything that can be added regarding this matter,” Dr Thabethe responded.
ALSO READ: Hailstorm wreaks havoc in Newcastle
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