Anger grows as illegal dumping worsens along Libertas Avenue

Residents of Equestria and its surroundings are up in arms, demanding that the metro take urgent action against ongoing illegal dumping in their area.

According to locals, Brae and Libertas avenues have been hotspots for the problem for many years.

Business owners along Libertas Avenue have also raised concern as piles of rubble and waste continue to build up on the roadside.

It is reported that construction contractors are dumping building rubble, while some residents add household waste, creating an eyesore and attracting rodents.

The residents said they have been escalating the matter to Tshwane since 2023, but little has been done this far to permanently stop the growing illegal dumping.

A dumper in a small bakkie was caught on camera dumping rubble and waste on Libertas Avenue right by the T-junction of Bush Road.

Residents say the vacant land just next to the road has attracted perpetrators who dump their waste. They demand that the metro erect a fence to protect the land.

They also claim that if the illegal dumping is not attended to, the waste will spill on the road and block road for motorists and that whenever the metro does come around, it only pushes all the rubbish into heaps on the side of Libertas Avenue.

Tsholofelo Mlangeni, a concerned resident from Willow Park Manor, said the illegal dumping in her area is a huge concern.

“The problem is particularly severe along Brae Avenue and Libertas Avenue, where vacant land has increasingly been used as an informal dumping site.”

She said the illegal dumping is a health hazard.

“This not only spoils the appearance of our suburb, making it look neglected and unsafe, but it also poses serious health risks.

“Accumulated waste attracts pests, creates unpleasant odours, and increases the potential for diseases,” she explained.

Mlangeni claimed that from her observations, the dumping is not only caused by some residents within Willow Park Manor but also by people coming from nearby areas such as Nellmapius.

Ward 41 councillor Ben Chapman said he is aware of the dumping issue and has escalated it on various occasions and to different departments, as well as responsible law enforcement agencies like the TMPD.

“This is the issue, it’s mission impossible with one team from Tshwane, and only three days a week for the whole region, it’s like sweeping beach sand.”

He said the shortage of teams to clean the dumping was the main challenge.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said a clean-up campaign is set for the first week of October.

“The city of Tshwane continues to clear illegally dumped waste along Libertas Avenue, but the challenge remains that offenders often return within hours of a clean-up to dump again.

“This cycle makes it extremely difficult to achieve lasting results, despite regular interventions,” Mashigo explained.

He said to discourage repeat dumping, the metro has introduced measures such as constructing berms from clean rubble.

“These barriers are designed to restrict offenders from accessing open spaces and creating large-scale dumping sites.”

Mashigo added that the section often described by residents as ‘scrapped’ is in fact a designated road reserve, which is always included in clean-up operations.

“However, because Libertas Avenue is narrow, a berm cannot be built directly alongside it, as the road reserve must remain open and accessible.”

According to Mashigo, law enforcement has been called in to patrol the area.

“The TMPD carries out regular operations in the area, applying by-laws and issuing fines to culprits who are caught dumping illegally.”

Mashigo said that as part of the long-term plan, the metro has reviewed its waste management by-laws to allow for the training and appointment of waste inspectors as peace officers, strengthening enforcement in partnership with the TMPD.

“[The] city is investigating suitable properties for the establishment of waste transfer and sorting facilities. These facilities would cater for garden waste, clean rubble, and recyclables, and would supplement the three garden transfer sites already operating in the region.”

Mashigo warned that offenders caught dumping will be slapped with a heavy fine or be prosecuted.

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