Illegal dumping a social ill
HIGHLANDS NORTH - PROMOTIONAL flyers littering Pretoria and Athol roads bore testament to the problem of littering and illegal dumping in Johannesburg.
According to Ward 74 councillor Jack Cooper, illegal dumping is a widespread problem. “[Illegal dumping] happens all over,” said Cooper.
“The biggest hassle for Pikitup from this point of view is the difficulty in catching culprits of illegal dumping. “[Culprits prove] hard to catch red handed [because most illegal dumping] happens after hours,” he said.
Cooper believes that the widespread nature of illegal dumping all comes down to the “lack of discipline and bylaw enforcement.” He said, “People tend to take chances because they know there is a very slim chance of being caught.”
Ward 72 councillor Steven Kruger said illegal dumping could be thought of as a social problem and not as a failing of the system. “Insufficient municipal refuse bins and overcrowding are a big part of the problem. Overcrowded houses often have their bins stolen or destroyed,” said Kruger
“People are too lazy to take their refuse and waste to garden sites.”
Cooper maintained that the solution lay in “increased fines and improved law enforcement”. Kruger concurred and said security companies needed to get involved in enforcing bylaws against illegal dumping.
Pikitup spokesperson Pansy Oyedele was unaware of the dumping of the flyers. She said her office was “waiting on the team in Norwood” for more information.
Oyedele could not be contacted for further comment on the wider problem of illegal dumping in Johannesburg at the time of publication.
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