R2 000 fine awaits illegal dumpers in Govan Mbeki Municipality
The warning follows growing concerns from motorists about waste dumped along the road between eMbalenhle and Bracken, which is hazardous to road users.
The Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) has issued a warning to residents and businesses about illegal dumping, stating that offenders will be fined R2 000 if caught littering in the community.
The warning follows growing concerns from motorists about waste dumped along the road between eMbalenhle and Bracken, which is hazardous to road users. Frustrated drivers have expressed outrage over the situation, citing safety risks.
Boy Makhubo, a concerned motorist, recounted a personal experience, “I don’t understand why people have suddenly started dumping garbage directly onto the road. Broken bottles punctured my car’s tyres on this road last month. I was lucky I wasn’t driving at high speed. The municipality must act now before this worsens.”
Doctor Masieh, another driver, linked the issue to poor road maintenance.
“This road was once the main route connecting eMbalenhle, Evander and Kinross. It used to be well-maintained, but now it’s completely neglected. The potholes and poor condition make people think the road is abandoned, encouraging illegal dumping.”
The GMM media liaison and content development officer, Donald Green, acknowledged the growing illegal dumping, particularly in eMbalenhle.
“Illegal dumping is a serious issue that creates health hazards and obstructs our efforts to maintain a clean environment. It’s often caused by businesses and residents irresponsibly discarding waste on open plots and roadsides.”
Green stressed that illegal dumping leads to the spread of diseases and damages public spaces.
The GMM is implementing interventions to address the issue, including public education and awareness campaigns to change behaviour, establishing a waste transfer station for proper disposal and encouraging communities, schools and businesses to participate in clean-up initiatives.
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“We urge residents to correctly dispose of their waste. They should place garbage in refuse bags for collection on designated waste removal days. When collection is delayed due to vehicle breakdowns, services will resume within a maximum of one week.”
Green called on community leaders and residents to stand against illegal dumping.
“Spread the message that dumping waste in public spaces is unacceptable and dangerous to public health.”
The municipality asks all residents to report people who illegally dump and work together to keep their environment clean.
For more information or to report illegal dumping, call the GMM’s Waste Management Department.
