Rubbish remains a thorn
“Various initiatives will be introduced in the near future offering mid to long-term solutions.”
Illegal dumping and the unreliable removal of waste remain a thorn in the side of Pretoria west residents.
Danville resident Thoko Ndlovu complained of ongoing illegal dumping on the corner of Nykamp and Schmidt streets.
She said she had reported the matter to the Tshwane metro numerous times but had not received any help.
“It [the waste] has been there for four months and not once have they [the metro] come out to clean it. I have reported it several times but I haven’t received a response from them,” said Ndlovu.
“The municipality drive past it every week, but the dumping site is just growing.”
Ndlovu expressed concern over the possible health ramifications.
“It is so unhealthy and it is summer. I truly fear for snakes and rats that might get into our homes.”
Pretoria West resident Cosette Heyns said her garbage had not been collected last week.
“We put our garbage out and they just never pitched. This is not a new thing, it has been an ongoing problem. One week they come and the next they don’t,” said Heyns.
“We all wait like watchdogs for the truck on Thursdays because we dare not leave our bins outside because they will get stolen.”
Resident Jonathan Kilian was fed-up with the conduct of the waste removers.
“Either they don’t take our rubbish or they ask for water or a cigarette before they actually do take it,” said Kilian.
“I just feel that it is so unfair that we have to pay for services we don’t receive. Every week we have to fight to get our waste removed.”
Ward 3 councillor Carlo de Bruin confirmed illegal dumping was a problem.
“I as a councillor and the Tshwane metro are aware of illegal dumping. We know dumping poses a serious problem in Ward 3 and the city at large as landfills reach capacity.”
De Bruin said beside the waste being unsightly it posed health and environmental risks that could lead to devastating long-term consequences.
“Sadly, for some reason most of the time the offenders are the residents in the ward.”
De Bruin said he had notified officials of dumping hotspots and they had agreed to investigate.
“Various initiatives will be introduced in the near future offering mid to long-term solutions.”
De Bruin asked residents to act responsibly and stop dumping illegally.
Dumping activity should be reported to the metro police with as much information as possible.
De Bruin urged residents to be safe and refrain from confronting people about illegal dumping.
Also read:
Illegal dumping continues in Eersterust
Illegal dumping continues in West
Illegal dumping frustrates residents
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