LLM speaks to illegal dumping

Standerton is filthy.

Illegal dumping in the Lekwa area has reached a critical point where several popular sites, such as the Standerton River Park, Standerton CBD and even open fields in residential areas have become unsightly due to waste strewn all over.

Lubabalo Majenge, communications officer for the Lekwa Local Municipality, stated that the municipality has a list of all known illegal dumpsites in all wards.

This statement begs the question, why is nothing being done about it?

According to Majenge, the municipality needs to witness the illegal dumping or have a report from a resident in order to fine dumpers

“Due to no reports being made, the municipality has not issued any fine in the past year and continues to call on people to report when they witness illegal dumping,” stated Majenge.

Currently, there are no law enforcement officers within the municipality who can issue fines and ensure illegal dumping does not take place, meaning there are little to no consequences for this crime.

According to Majenge, an attempt to rectify this situation is being made in the form of the Waste Management draft bylaw.

“We encourage the public to participate in all wards,” stated Majenge.

These dumpsites do not only have a negative impact on the town’s reputation, but also holds health hazards for residents, particularly children.

Majenge admitted that some of the dumpsites are located near schools and can impact children’s health. The municipality has yet to conduct environmental impact assessments of all of the sites.

“The municipality is aware and educates the community about the potential health hazards they pose to nearby communities,” said Majenge.

Furthermore, the municipality provides weekly waste collection to households and businesses. However, several areas get overlooked when the waste truck rolls by.

A resident of Extension 8, Wandile Afrika Dlamini stated that there has not been a single waste truck in the area since 2016.

“We asked the municipality for a large bin to put waste in, they never replied to our enquiry,” said Dlamini.

Trash is discarded in an open field where children often play. According to Dlamini, in one case a child drank a tub of face cream from the pile and had to be rushed to the hospital to be treated for poisoning.

Luckily, the child made a full recovery.

Majenge also stated that in an attempt to rectify the situation the municipality has developed a programme for clearing illegal dumping sites across all wards.

“The municipality conducts awareness on proper waste disposal and dangers of illegal dumping regularly, we are in constant communication with all members of the community to address the issue,” stated Majenge.

The LLM plans to clean up the colossal mess by fostering community involvement and accountability. He concluded by stating that the new waste management bylaws will aid in the municipality’s ability to fine illegal dumpers.

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