Illegal dumping along Waterberg Road sparks community concern

Illegal dumping along Waterberg Road, stretching from the R55 towards residential properties in Thatchfield, including Thatch Hill Estate in Nokukwane Street, has become a growing concern for residents.

Residents say that the accumulation of waste, often accompanied by fires on the tar surface, has caused significant road damage, health risks, and access issues, prompting calls for urgent action.

Tshwane metro spokesperson, Lindela Mashigo, confirmed that the city is aware of the problem.

“The illegal dumping spot in question has been identified and included in the illegal dumping cleaning schedule. Our litter picking teams are also deployed weekly to help reduce the illegal dumping,” he said.

He stated that the illegal dumping cleaning team is deployed at least twice a month, while litter picking teams operate once a week.

Mashigo added that despite these efforts, persistent illegal dumping, combined with limited municipal budgets, makes it difficult to fully curb the problem.

“The city spent approximately R30-million in the past financial year on cleaning illegal dumping across Tshwane, with just over R4-million allocated for Region 4 alone.”

He highlighted that rapid urban growth in fast-developing areas like Region 4 has outpaced waste infrastructure development, creating conditions where illegal dumping thrives.

Mashigo added that the city is committed to cleaning the area.

“The city is committed to continuing to clean this illegal dumping spot and introducing other measures, such as conducting a cleaning campaign, which will involve the community. No dumping signs will also be erected near the spot,” he said.

PR councillor Adriana Randall described the road as a vital access route that links new developments.

She said the dumping poses a health risk to pedestrians and residents of Thatch Hill Estate, and the fires on the tar surface are further damaging the road.

“Residents and pedestrians often have to make use of a poor-condition gravel road to reach Vaalwater Informal Settlement and Olievenhoutbosch Ext 60 because the tar road is blocked by dumping,” Randall said.

She also warned that without regular cleaning, maintenance, and security to control illegal activities, the road could deteriorate further.

“If the road condition gets worse, this would create additional costs for developers planning projects in adjacent areas such as Rua Vista and Olievenhoutbosch.”

Randall noted that the open spaces next to the road, currently used for dumping, could discourage potential development if left unaddressed.

She said a petition has been started to urge the metro to improve Waterberg Road, particularly its last section near the open land earmarked for future development.

Resident and activist Sisco Senyolo from Thatchfield, who drives through the road daily, said the illegal dumping has persisted for three years without adequate response.

“The illegal dumping is really bad. The smell, the sight, and sometimes the dump block the road completely.

Fires are often started on the waste, which damages the tar surface and makes the road even more difficult to use,” Senyolo said.

He added that the problem affects both residents and pedestrians daily.

“As residents, we have started a petition to get the matter addressed. I am trying to gather as many signatures as possible to show just how many people are impacted.”

“It’s not just an eyesore; it’s a serious hazard, and the city needs to take stronger action,” he added.

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