Sinoville councillor urges residents to end illegal dumping

Ward 50 Councillor Lenise Breytenbach has called on residents in Sinoville to take a stand against illegal dumping.

She is urging everyone to work together to preserve the beauty and cleanliness of their shared environment.

The councillor was joined by local police, metro workers, and residents on Friday, July 11 in a community-led clean-up initiative that targeted several illegal dumping hotspots around the suburb.

Armed with gloves, garbage bags, and determination, the group tackled piles of rubbish left in open spaces, near stormwater drains, and along quiet roadsides.

Breytenbach emphasised the importance of community involvement in fighting environmental decay.

“Illegal dumping is not just an eyesore, it’s a health hazard, it lowers property values, and it sends the wrong message about who we are as a community.
“Sinoville is our home, and it’s up to each one of us to keep it clean,” the councillor said.

The clean-up focused on certain areas on Sefako Makgatho Drive, which have become notorious for the frequent dumping of garden waste, household rubbish, and even construction debris.

According to Breytenbach, the construction site on Mirca Avenue in Sinoville has been an illegal dumping hotspot, as have Jan Booysen and Van Der Linde streets in Annlin.

Residents said the dumping is often done under the cover of night by people or companies who want to avoid paying landfill fees.

“It’s disgusting. One morning you wake up and someone’s dumped a broken toilet or black bags full of waste right outside your wall,” said resident Johanna Vermeulen.

To address the problem, the councillor is not only leading clean-up efforts but also advocating for more visible signage, increased patrols, and stricter fines for illegal dumpers.

“We are working closely with law enforcement to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.

“But enforcement alone won’t solve this. We need residents to report dumping when they see it and to lead by example.”

She said part of the plan includes educating residents about proper waste disposal options and encouraging the use of official landfill sites and garden refuse drop-off points provided by the metro.

“As a community, let’s work together to identify and report illegal dumping in our area. Your vigilance can make a huge difference.”

The metro has announced that any person found to be dumping waste illegally in an unauthorised area is liable for a R5 000 fine.

Residents are encouraged to join upcoming clean-up events and to report illegal dumping to the municipal hotline or through the metro’s online complaints portal.

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