Local ward councillors plead for assistance in fighting illegal dumping

Local ward councillors recently conducted an oversight visit to Magnolia Dell park in light of ongoing illegal dumping in the area.

Uncollected waste has been a significant factor affecting many residents since the commencement of the South African municipal workers union (Samwu) strike in late July.

Ward 59 and 92 councillors, Shaun Wilkinson and Leanne de Jager, joined by former Tshwane mayor, Solly Tshepiso Msimanga and others visited the area on Wednesday (August 15) and say that the public’s help is needed to keep the streets clean.

“Illegal dumping is a serious issue in Tshwane, as it is in many places in Gauteng and South Africa,” Wilkinson said.

“As ward councillors, there are several steps we can take to address this problem, but we will need support.”

Some of the interventions proposed include the following:

– Awareness campaigns: Councillors aim to engage with social media platforms, educational campaigns at local schools, and community groups.

“We will launch educational campaigns in our wards to raise awareness about the negative impacts of illegal dumping on the environment, health, and community aesthetics,” Wilkinson stated.

– Community clean-up events: regular clean-ups where community members help tackle illegal dumping hotspots.

– Surveillance and reporting: Residents are encouraged to report any illegal dumping that they see taking place.

“We urge residents that see trucks or cars dumping litter, to take note of the number plate or company logo on the vehicle and report it to councillors De Jager, Wilkinson or Jarad Frimmel or their local authorities.”

Ward councillor De Jager also stated that the dumping near Walker Spruit is now contaminating the local water supply.

– Stricter laws: harsher penalties for perpetrators of illegal dumping.

– Improving waste management infrastructure: Collaborating with various departments to make disposing of waste easier for residents and businesses.

– Engagements with local businesses on lawful and safe waste disposal.

– Community engagement programmes: Workshops and seminars on responsible waste management practices. Giving residents knowledge to manage their waste properly.

– NGO partnerships: local NGO/NPO/charity organisations are encouraged to reach out to host regular clean-ups around the area.

– Incentivising responsible waste disposal: Rewards for reporting illegal dumpers or discounts on waste disposal fees for responsible residents.

– Constant monitoring/evaluations: Assessments of what’s working and what isn’t and adaptation to the results.

“Remember, tackling illegal dumping is a collective effort that requires involvement from community members, local authorities, and various stakeholders. By working together and implementing a comprehensive strategy, ward councillors can make a significant impact on reducing illegal dumping and creating cleaner, more sustainable communities.

If you can support us, please contact me on 082 445 4375,” Wilkinson concluded.

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