Mnandi illegal dumping site raises concerns
The dumping site at the corner of Monument Drive and Mimosa Avenue has continued to grow, despite interventions that have taken place since residents raised their concerns.
Residents who live close by an illegal dumping site near the Mnandi and Raslouw areas in Centurion are concerned that the site poses a risk to their health and safety.
The dumping site at the corner of Monument Drive and Mimosa Avenue has continued to grow, despite interventions that have taken place since residents raised their concerns.
Doc van Rooyen, who has lived in the area for over 30 years, said the problems began around 2014.
“We have had several people from different departments come to the site, but it has not made a difference.
“This is also affecting our groundwater. We only use borehole water, so this isn’t good for us.”
In October 2022, Rekord visited the site, only to find a similar situation.
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the city was aware of the illegal dumping at the site and at the time said the issue would take time to resolve.
Rekord has contacted the metro for further comment.
According to residents, education campaigns, clean-up projects and anti-dumping signage have had little effect.
Jaco Labuschagne said those dumping illegally have become brazen.
“I actually stopped one morning because there was a tyre that had been spray-painted. A man told me that it was to show them where to dump.
“This was always just cosmos flowers. I remember that people used to come from far to see it.”
Edmund van Rooyen said the community is concerned that there seems to be little that can be done to address the dumping.
“We try to keep the community aware of what is happening here. We have raised this issue multiple times, but nothing has really happened.”
Linda Rautenbach said the site not only posed a health risk, but a safety risk as well.
“You have to slow down so much because of the bumps and trash in the road. This makes us vulnerable when driving through the area.
“This is the only road in or out, so I have to use it every day – I’m 67. I wouldn’t dare use this road at night.”
The residents implored others to respect their community and not dump at this site.
One resident said he understood that some using the road to get to the private landfill site nearby might be tempted by those operating the illegal sites.
“It’s difficult to even drive down the road before someone starts calling and telling you where to dump on the site,” Frank Fernandes said.
“By the time the TMPD arrives, they can’t do anything.”
As winter nears, the residents say they are concerned the site will catch alight.
Ward councillor Marika Kruger-Muller said she was aware of the issues at the site and was working with the waste department to address illegal dumping.
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