People in the east of Pretoria are getting desperate over illegal dumping, especially along Delmas Road.
East residents have been complaining for years about this, but nothing appeared to have been done to improve matters.
Ward 91 councillor Reyaan Uys said there had been no development or changes and he once again condemned illegal dumping.
“We discourage it, and we are hoping there will be a positive solution to curb illegal dumping in that area,” he said.
“I know that the city is planning on rehabilitating some of the existing dumping sites.”
Illegal dumping in the area started after the landfill site on Delmas Road had been closed upon reaching its capacity.
Residents are worried that rubble and garden refuse keeps piling up on a daily basis.
ALSO READ: LISTEN: Illegal dumping continues
When Rekord visited the site, a man was going through the rubble looking for something usable.
“I am unemployed so I come here every day to look for something I can use, sometimes I find wood that I use to make chairs and tables,” said Joseph Ndlovu.
He said he could see the rubble was a problem because when it’s windy papers and plastics got blown into people’s yards.
The chairperson of Moreletapark x 50 Homeowners Association, Hano Harmse, said illegal dumping remained a problem in Tshwane.
“It affects us negatively because it brings down the value of our properties, with dumping comes elements looking for goods to gather and sell,” he said.
“These elements hold a real security risk for us and our neighbours.”
ALSO READ: No end in sight to Delmas road illegal dumping
Harmse said residents were doing their best to work together to curb illegal dumping.
“We alert the community via our community WhatsApp group if any person notices illegal dumping taking place,” he said.
“The community then responds by confronting the illegal dumpers and tell them to reload what they dumped. Bull Security will also talk to them should the situation seem dangerous or too late at night,” he said.
He said residents joined forces to install a gate at the entrance to Delmas at their own expense, which was being kept locked.
Harmse said residents realised that illegal dumping was the result of poor planning inherited by the new council.
“DA councillor Reyaan Uys is always willing to assist but can only do so much,” he said.
“However, we as a community refuse to be victims of our circumstances and will continue to fight illegal dumping with the help of the metro.”
MMC of environmental management services, Michael Mkhari had previously said the metro reviewed its waste management bylaw to strengthen its ability to fight illegal dumping.
ALSO READ: Illegal dumping on Delmas Road out of control
Mkhari said the metro’s long-term plan to combat illegal dumping was recycling.
By the time of going to press Mkhari’s office had not responded to recent questions sent to them.
Residents could report any illegal dumping activities by email to customercareregion6@tshwane.gov.za or call 012-358-999
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