Metro warns residents against leaving rubble on the pavement
"One can be fined by as much as R5 000 as this is illegal."
The Tshwane metro warned residents who left rubble on their sidewalks while busy with construction on their properties could be fined by as much as R5 000, as this was illegal.
“It is prohibited under section 16(4) of the municipality’s waste bylaw,” said metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo.
“Storage of building materials or builder’s waste without a container [on a sidewalk] is prohibited. It is a punishable offence.”
Mashigo said residents should instead apply for skip bins, which could be provided within 7-14 days after applying.
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Councillor Elmarie Linde said residents who wanted to use sidewalks temporarily to store building materials must get approval from the metro.
“If they do not, they stand a chance of getting fined for illegal dumping.”
She said this has been a problem “for many years”.
“I don’t know whether they think someone will come and pick it up on their behalf, but it is their responsibility. There are many other ways to ensure that rubble is removed if you cannot remove it yourself.
“People can rent bins that can be removed by private companies, but that is mostly for garden refuse.
“The metro is trying to keep our neighbourhoods clean and neat. We need all the residents to take part in this. We are thankful to all the residents who keep their sidewalks neat.”
Linde said that if the metro drags its feet supplying a bin, residents should then contact their local councillor.
“If the response time is too long, they should contact the councillor to help. But if it is taking too long, they should at least keep proof that they did apply.”
She also warned against residents who have food stalls or small businesses on their sidewalks.
“It’s happening all over the city,” she said.
“It is making the sidewalks inaccessible for pedestrians and people who use wheelchairs. People must apply for a hawker’s licence at the metro’s planning department in such a case.”
Linde said residents must familiarise themselves with bylaws so that they do not have any excuses for not knowing.
“People can access the bylaws on the metro’s website or they can also contact their local councillor.”
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