“Waste management is not just the responsibility of the municipality, but a responsibility for all,” said Municipal Manager Patrick Mkhize when responding to a media enquiry about illegal dumping in Forderville.
Masses of domestic waste is continuously dumped near the entrance to the Forderville grounds, despite weekly waste collection going according to schedule.
ALSO READ: Illegal dumping is an eyesore at cemetery entrance
This area has become a hot-spot for dumping during the past months and even when the area is cleaned by Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality’s waste department, days later the mess is back.
A reporter from the Estcourt News snapped a photo of the area on Sunday and sent it to the municipality, asking for clarity on what residents can do if they spot people dumping illegally.
“We have ensured waste collection on a weekly basis, regardless of this Covid-19 lockdown. Nevertheless, the community of Forderville continues to dump illegally without any regard for the current state of health issues facing our country,” said Mr Mkhize.
He added that two teams are currently on duty to remove rubbish.
“Team one is doing street cleaning in the central business district and team two is doing waste collection in all areas with a truck. My questions are: Is this supposed to be blamed on the municipality and what will the community do to curb this behaviour from adults? Why is the community behaving this way after services are being rendered as required?” commented Mr Mkhize.
Residents are urged to report any illegal dumping by taking a photograph of the individuals and vehicle, as well as the registration number of the vehicle, and then contact the municipality with this information on 036-342-7800.
If a person is found to be guilty of illegal dumping, the municipality makes a request for the individual to clean up the area.
“Failing which, we will clean and add a fine to their monthly bill. Failure to settle the bill will result in blockage of electricity, like we do with other debt,” concluded Mr Mkhize.
NOW READ: Forderville family plagued by illegal dumping
Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter
