Several illegal dumping hotspots in Ward 2 in Pretoria North have been cleared following complaints from residents.

This has brought relief to community members who had raised concerns about the negative impact of waste accumulation in their neighbourhoods.

The clean-up operation targeted three problem areas in Pretoria North: the corner of Leon and Makkie streets in Tileba, the corner of Burger Street and Brits Road, and the intersection of Emily Hobhouse and Brits streets near City Hall.

Ward 2 councillor Quentin Meyer said the clean-up was carried out after numerous complaints from residents regarding the accumulation of illegally dumped waste at these locations.

“These illegal dumping hotspots have now been cleaned. We would like to thank the Waste Management team and the TMPD for responding and assisting with the clean-up.

“Let’s work together to keep Ward 2 clean and continue reporting illegal dumping when we see it,” said Meyer.

Illegal dumping remains a persistent challenge in many communities across the north, with residents often expressing concerns about health risks, unpleasant odours, environmental damage and the negative image created by piles of rubbish along roads and open spaces.

Residents welcomed the clean-up and said it demonstrated the value of reporting service delivery issues to the relevant authorities.

Pretoria North resident Luzuko Nxumalo said the dumping site near Burger and Brits streets had become an eyesore for months.

“We are very happy to see the area cleaned. People drive past every day and it created a terrible impression of our community.

“It also encouraged more people to dump their waste there. Hopefully residents will now think twice before dumping illegally,” he said.

Another resident, Thembisile Moraba, said the clean-up would improve the quality of life for people living and working in the area.

“The waste was attracting rodents and creating an unhealthy environment. We appreciate that action was taken after residents raised the issue. It shows that when communities speak up, something can be done,” she said.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said, “The identified illegal dumping hotbeds are cleaned on a regular basis as per the schedule that is developed and updated monthly.”

Mashigo said the metro deals with illegal dumping hotspots through the enforcement of the Waste Management By-Law and issuing fines to transgressors.

“Any person found dumping waste illegally in an unauthorised area is liable to a fine of R5 000 as prescribed in the city’s by-law,” he warned.

Meyer emphasised that keeping the area clean requires a collective effort from residents, businesses and city departments.

He encouraged residents to continue reporting illegal dumping and to make use of legal waste disposal options provided by the metro.

Residents are urged to report illegal dumping as soon as they occur to help prevent the re-emergence of dumping hotspots and to ensure that Ward 2 remains a clean and welcoming place for all.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel