Illegal dumping west of Pretoria still remains a huge problem, says ward councillor.
Carlo de Bruyn, councillor in ward 3, said dumpers, mainly contractors, still insisted on disrespecting residents and business people in the area by dumping their trash on their doorstep.
ALSO READ: Turbulent times for illegal dumping in the west
“In some cases it is the residents themselves who dump in their ‘own back yards’. This is unacceptable,” de Bruyn said.
“In some areas such as Kalafong Heights, Elandspoort and Danville people are literally living in a rubbish dump.”
He said West Park, Kwaggasrand and Proclamation Hill were also going that route.
“This poses a serious health risk and lowers our living standard and we are disrespected in our own back yards, sadly, sometimes by our own neighbours.”
De Bruyn assured residents that he was working with the Tshwane metro to address the situation.
“People dump faster than the municipality can clean,” he said.
“Furthermore, the metro police also plays a role in enforcing the bylaws. The biggest role however is played by the community.”
De Bruyn said that he stopped a dumper in Kalafong Heights on Wednesday, adding that the dumper lived around the corner from the illegal dumpsite.
He said the dumping had been a problem for over a year.
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“This is not uncommon and residents need to take responsibility for their role in making our environment better and cleaner,” he said.
De Bruyn gives the following guidelines on how residents can assist:
– Do not dump illegally.
– Do not litter – think about what the kids see. Be an example.
– Report illegal dumping to the metro on 012-358-7095/6.
– When reporting illegal dumping, get as much details as possible, get the name of the officer you speak to, take note of the date and time, ask for feedback and see the entire process through and speak to your community about the importance of keeping the environment clean.
“Please stay safe and do not confront anyone as this could lead to an unwanted situation. I irresponsibly confronted two gentlemen who, fortunately for me, complied and back paddled when I asked them not to dump. It could have turned out differently,” de Bruyn said.
“As a councillor I will continue to engage officials to find solutions to our illegal dumping problems. I will carry on until the problem is resolved. In the background, various initiatives are underway to help combat this sickness in our community.
“This is your community, your environment, let’s work together to keep it clean.
“Please do not hesitate to call me should you have an issue which the municipality is unable to resolve. Remember to report your issue to the municipality first and where relevant obtain a reference number.”
ALSO READ: Illegal dumping continues in West
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