Local business owner caught red-handed dumping illegally
According to Ward 83 Councillor Andrew Lesch, the business owner was caught dumping old chair furniture cushions close to the Wolwespruit informal settlement on Monday.
A local business owner in Ward 83 has been caught disposing of waste in Nossob Street, Erasmuskloof, along the Wolwespruit informal settlement.
According to Ward 83 councillor Andrew Lesch, the business owner was caught dumping old furniture cushions close to the Wolwespruit informal settlement on Monday, January 27.
He said the large truck arrived in the morning with a huge load of the cushions.
“The company quickly started to dump these, and the squatters took these into the settlement,” Lesch said.
Lesch said that when the driver saw him taking photos, they drove away towards Plastic View, where they were asked to turn away.
He added that the driver acknowledged that the items were destined for the dumping site.
“This is not the first time this company has been involved in dumping waste in our area,” Lesch said.
“The same truck, from the same company, was previously involved in dumping garden waste under the pretense that they helped to provide firewood, while only a portion of the load was suitable as firewood.”
He said that it was shocking that a company based in Ward 83 can be so insensitive towards the needs and plight of the residents of this area.
Lesch said Wolwespruit informal settlement has been a source of concern for residents, with reports of noise pollution, air pollution, and increasing crime.
“The communities of Erasmuskloof and Elarduspark have been victim (sic) to constant noise, air pollution, and increasing crime in the area, especially theft of electrical cables.”
He said countless complaints resulted from this illegal informal settlement.
Lesch added that the settlement is located on a wetland and water catchment area, and there are no toilets or water supply, posing a severe health risk to those living there.
“On Saturday, January 25, we had to witness again why many of these people are unwilling to be relocated, despite the unfavourable conditions they live in,” said Lesch.
“If these people are provided with free things, then they will not move.”
Lesch has reported the business to the Tshwane Metro Police and is waiting for a case number.
He has also vowed to continue efforts to relocate the occupiers of the informal settlement, with the support of the local Community Policing Forum (CPF) and other community structures.
“Illegal dumping is a serious issue that affects us all,” Lesch said.
“As a community, we need to work together to prevent this kind of behaviour and protect our environment.”
Lesch warned that businesses that are illegally dumping will not be tolerated and those caught will face the consequences.
Residents are encouraged to report any instances of illegal dumping to the authorities.
To report illegal dumping or other environmental crimes, contact the Tshwane Metro Police on 012 358 7095/6 or the City of Tshwane’s Customer Service Centre on 012 358 9999.
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