With another successful AFS Fezile Dabi Cross Country Youth Development League event hosted in the Parys Wetlands the past week, the constant illegal dumping of building rubble and garbage in the Wetland, makes it a difficult task for organisers of the event and the Parys Wetland Park Committee members to clean up behind those who do not care. Illegal dumping has become a growing concern in Parys, not only threatening the sensitive environment of the Parys Wetland area but also along the riverbank. Building rubble, garden refuse, and household waste are dumped everywhere – even alongside roads, on sidewalks, open areas, and parks, reflecting negatively on the town known as a popular tourist attraction.

The past week, various incidents were reported of residents blatantly and illegally dumping not only in the wetland, but in Grewarlaan, as well as household waste found in dustbins at the 1919 suspension bridge. Fingers are often pointed at people who make a living from recycling as the culprits, but residents are also to blame when you look at photos, documents, school books, and other evidence with names and addresses found lying between dumped baby diapers, bottles, and polystyrene takeaway containers.

The Ngwathe Municipality’s refuse team deserves compliments for their dedication in keeping the town clean, promptly removing refuse on scheduled times, but without the co-operation of the community to stop the illegal dumping, the municipality is fighting a losing battle.

For the past months, a lot of effort has been put into an initiative to rehabilitate the neglected natural wetland area in the centre of Parys, to transform the underutilised area into a sustainable wetland ecosystem that will be accessible and safe for all communities. The Ngwathe Local Municipality has given its full support for the project.

Simon Matseko, supervisor of the Parys and Tumahole refuse teams, as well as Brian Metshivhoeza, Building Control manager at Ngwathe, met with the Parys Wetland Committee members this week, to discuss the extent of the dumping problem. Matseko promised his assistance to committee members to help remove the waste dumped in the wetland, which has since the writing of the report been collected by Simon and the team.

“To combat illegal dumping, the Ngwathe Municipality says perpetrators will be fined. Residents are encouraged to report illegal dumping on 082 909 3463,” the municipality said. Options will also be explored for a dedicated email address where community members can send photo evidence of registration numbers and incidents of illegal dumping.

A huge shoutout to volunteers who help to keep the town clean, especially the river and the 1919 bridge, as well as the MooiParys team who helps to beautify the entrances of the town and keep the main street and parks clean. and neat.