Hamberg resident's concern about illegal dumping grows
The resident says repeated dumping in open spaces and waterways is threatening the area’s environment and calls on residents to take action.
Hamberg resident Heather Ho Hip is urging fellow residents to take action to help keep their area clean after repeated incidents of illegal dumping.
Ho Hip said dumping in the river running to Florida Lake and on its banks was also spotted a few weeks ago and alleged that fellow community members are behind this scourge of illegal dumping.
She added that the gully at the end of Oxley Street leading into the lake has also become a dumping spot.
Ho Hip said she has contacted the JMPD’s illegal dumping hotline and received no response or action.
“I organised a clean-up campaign two weeks ago to clean this open veld, but only a few residents showed up; we managed to clean the area.
“A few weeks later someone had already dumped their rubble, and it was filthy all over again.”
As someone who takes pride in her community, Ho Hip said it is disheartening to see how the once-lovely Hamberg suburb is becoming increasingly unrecognisable.
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“The waste is obstructing the natural flow of the water and, together with the algae, is eventually causing an unpleasant stench and affecting this beautiful area.
“I am currently in the process of arranging a skip to assist with removing the accumulated waste, as well as implementing a “no dumping” sign at the site.
She hoped that by taking these steps, they could help restore this area to its former beauty.
“But ultimately, keeping Hamberg clean is a responsibility we all share. All residents need to take pride in our neighbourhood and stop treating our beautiful open spaces as dumping grounds.”
The Roodepoort Record sent questions to JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla on August 17, at 12:52, requesting comment by close of business on August 19.
The questions sought clarity on whether JMPD was aware of the illegal dumping reported in the area, the department’s role in addressing illegal dumping, how and where residents can report incidents, and whether any immediate measures were being considered to address the problem.
No response had been received from JMPD at the time of publication.
