West residents fed up with dumping on local street

Residents in the west of Pretoria have expressed frustration about Caledon Street being used for illegal dumping.

The street in Daspoort has been frequented by various dumpers that leave building rubble and other materials on the sidewalk.

One local, who did not want to be identified, said that the area cannot continue being abused like this.

“We are now worried for our safety. At any time criminals can throw those stones and rocks at us and harm us. It’s not just one person, it’s now many that come and dump here. It’s becoming a mess,” the resident said.

A local homeowner has been identified as one of the main culprits.

The area is home to various scrapyards but a most of the street is filled with illegal dumping.

Rekord approached the metro on the matter and on Friday the waste management department accompanied by the TMPD, and ward 1 councillor, Leon Kruyshaar conducted an oversight visit.

“The site belongs to the City of Tshwane. He has no permission to dump here, so the metro gave him notice of 30 days to clear the rubble,” said waste management and by-law inspector, Johan Scholtz.

The man alleged that he was simply placing the rubble aside for the time being as he was doing groundwork in his home. The metro, however, was having none of it.

“If after 30 days the sidewalk is not clean, the homeowner will receive a R5 000 fine for illegal dumping,” Scholtz continued.

The metro said if people need to dump building rubble they should contact the TMPD for permission first as many risks are associated with illegal dumping.

“This guy was lucky that we got to him early because if we caught him in the process of dumping it’s a straight fine.

If I had to write him up, he’d get an environmental hazard fine as illegal dumpsites are breeding grounds for rats and all sorts of other pollutants and he’d get a R5 000 fine so if it was me, it’d be R15 000. As it was a complaint, the metro handled it and he’ll get a R5 000 fine if this isn’t cleared by the end of September,” Scholtz said.

The residents were reminded that their building rubble can be dumped in Ga-Rankuwa, Mamelodi and Soshanguve while garden refuse can be dumped at sites in Phillip Nel Park, Dorandia and Mountain View.

Residents are also encouraged to report any illegal dumping to the waste management department, TMPD, or their local ward councillor and police.

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