eMZINONI – Residents at Ext 1, eMzinoni, are concern about the dumping site that has closed.
Residence said their homes are turning into a dumping site because people are now beginning to dump waste in their backyards. “Our lives are in danger. Some residents burn cow and pig carcasses because the municipality is not collecting waste.
“Now our yards are becoming dumping areas as if we are the ones who closed the dumping site,” said Mr Sipho Mthimunye, a resident.
Residents requested municipal intervention by enforcing by-laws, though they don’t even know if Govan Mbeki Municipality has by-laws.
“Even now you will see cows and goats roam the streets of Bethal.
“You ask yourself if our municipality knows about by-laws that are supposed to control animals movement and the penalties that onwners must pay when those by-laws are broken.
“If they do, then there should not be livestock decorating out town.
Residents are also dumping their rubbish along the road between Standerton and Bethal.
“You cannot blame residents because the dumping site is closed,” said Mr Nicholas Soko, a resident.
Residents said they want Govan Mbeki Municipality to explain why they closed the dumping site. There is a rumour that the site was closed because of a fight over a tender.
The Govan Mbeki Municipality said they are attending to the challenge at the Bethal landfill site.
However, their clean-up teams do clear away rubble and trash in the area.
“Waste should be collected in refuse bags and placed for collection on waste removal days.”
The municipality encourages people to report roaming livestock as it transgresses the by-laws relating to the keeping of animals, birds and poultry, and businesses involving the keeping of animals, birds, poultry or pets as promulgated.
“The law enforcement officers are from time to time assigned to enforce the municipal by-laws.
“The community should report all illegal activities by phoning 017 620 6327 or sending an email to compliance@govanmbeki.gov.za,” said Mr Donald Green, acting head of communication.
