Surveillance cameras have been installed near the Pretoria National Botanical Garden to monitor a recurring dumping hotspot.

This forms part of efforts by the Tshwane Metro and South African National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi) to combat illegal dumping.

The move comes after residents reported waste had once again begun accumulating along the roadside near Cussonia Avenue, the N4 and the University of Pretoria’s Engineering Campus leading to the Colbyn Wetland.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said Sanbi has partnered with the city by providing surveillance cameras ‘to identify dumpers and assist the city in monitoring the site’.

According to Mashigo, the surveillance footage will help identify offenders and support TMPD enforcement efforts.

Although residents acknowledged that the city cleared the site last year and erected warning signs prohibiting dumping, they recently reported that dumping waste began accumulating again.

Mashigo confirmed that the metro is aware of the illegal dumping and that it was cleared on July 9.

He said the city conducts monthly clean-up operations using specialised machinery, which are complemented by manual litter-picking every two weeks.

“The city also responds to complaints received through its customer care reporting platforms,” he said.

Mashigo said while no by-law fines have yet been issued for illegal dumping at the site, the city’s Solid Waste Business Unit is exploring stronger enforcement measures.

“The Solid Waste Business Unit is looking into collaborating with the TMPD to strengthen law enforcement through measures such as issuing spot fines to offenders caught dumping illegally,” he said.

He added that prohibition signs remain in place to discourage illegal dumping, but stressed that keeping the area clean also requires support from the surrounding community.

“The success of maintaining a clean site requires collaboration with the broader community.”

According to him, most of the open land has already been fenced off, while sections adjacent to the road have been left accessible for traffic management and safety purposes.

He added that the city remains committed to maintaining the site through its scheduled monthly clean-up programme and fortnightly litter-picking operations to prevent the dumping hotspot from re-emerging.

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