Metro cleans up Centurion
Tshwane Metro launches new project aimed at cleaning up Centurion.
The notorious empty patch of land just past John Vorster Avenue, next to the N1 north, has been cleared by the Tshwane metro for a third time on Friday morning. This in an attempt to rid the plot of vagrants that recycle plastic and cardboard, but in doing so provide a hideout for criminals.
Driving on the freeway, you will be forgiven for thinking the plot is empty, as all the shacks are well hidden between the overgrowth.
“The problem is most of these people are not criminals, but simply want to make an honest living. They might not be the ones committing crimes like smash-and-grabs, but the shacks they have built underneath the trees provide a perfect hideout spot for criminals,” said Superintendent Kuki Tshabalala, spokesperson for the Tshwane metro police department (TMPD).
The clean-up and demolition of the shacks is the first phase of a project known as ‘Operation Clean-up’. On the day, the TMPD, officials from the metro, members of the Lyttelton Sector 1 CPF and Centurion City Improvement District (CENCID) all came out and assisted with the clean-up.
James van Rhyn, director of urban management in Tshwane District 4 (Centurion), weighed in on the matter, saying although projects like this do not fall under his department’s jurisdiction, they decided to assist in the project. “Clearing of areas like these are of vital importance. It is innocent people who get hijacked and fall victim to smash-and-grabbers. This place offers a hiding place, and can therefore not stay.”
Van Rhyn said camps like the one demolished add to a growing concern over pollution. “One part of the camp was destroyed today. It actually stretches across various parts of the open field. At some parts, people are living next to the river. Not only do they throw rubbish in the river, but they bath and drink the polluted water. This is not acceptable. The ideal solution would be to offer them a set location that can be monitored. Where they can bring the garbage they have and want to recycle. This will help prevent camps becoming hideout spots for criminals.”
DA ward councillor Peter Sutton has previously spoken on the issue of illegal dumping and informal recycling camps being set up next to the road. His solution too was to create a camp where the recyclers can be regulated. “The only solution I can see is to regulate the recyclers that dig through refuse containers and bins. I am proposing that the metro creates a special centre where people can dump the items they do not have the ability to dispose of properly, like a normal dumping site,” said Sutton. “These people who recycle should then be able to take the items that can be recycled. These people can even be employed by the metro and be given special uniforms to identify them. That way you regulate what is being recycled, cut down on dumping and create new jobs.”
One of the people living at the informal camp, Justice Shabangu, said the items he recycles is his only source of income. “I am very sick. I cannot do any other work. Currently, I am on various medications. I am HIV positive, have TB and high blood pressure, so I cannot do other work. The money I make from the things I recycle is only used to buy food so I can survive,” said Shabangu, sorting through his last bit of plastic as his makeshift home was torn apart right next to him.
According to Tshabalala, the metro will continue to clear illegal structures in fields, especially those that provide a safe haven for criminals, and as part of ‘Operation Clean-up’ will next move on to taverns and shebeens across Centurion, making sure they comply with health and safety regulations and have licences to sell alcohol.
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