Bloom raised his concerns with the former Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure Development, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza, and received a written response on 2 December. The letter stated that the department had investigated the grounds.
Mayathula-Khoza wrote, “The problem is that the area is not fenced and, as a result, encourages illegal activities.”
The illegal activities listed by Mayathula-Khoza were as follows:
- A dump site for various kinds of waste, including construction rubble
- Most of the rubble is scattered along the roads with a lot being concentrated very close to Linksfield Road
- Grey water from Mo-Zam-Bik Restaurant flows across the land
- Illegal dwellers have turned the site into [an area] for recycling
- Land next to the restaurant is being prepared for construction.
Mayathula-Khoza stated that, based on the findings, the department will erect a fence and ensure that the site is cleared. She added, “Once the Gauteng Provincial Government approves the property policy, future land use will be determined.”
Bloom said, “I welcome the cleaning of the site and the building of a fence to stop illegal dumping. I also hope that the illegal use of this valuable State land is curbed speedily and that an appropriate alternative use is found for it.”
Mayathula-Khoza indicated that another site inspection will take place early this year to ascertain progress on the recommendations.
Journalists from North Eastern Tribune visited the site and found a number of large bags stuffed with recycled material being sorted onsite. That which cannot be recycled appears to remain as waste.
Edenvale police, who had been patrolling the area, arrived onsite and informed the journalists that this was not an illegal dumpsite, but rather a recycling site. Police officers also stated that if those who use this land to recycle are chased away, they will lose their source of income and will become criminals.
Bloom indicated that the illegal dumping onsite was initially building sand and rubble.
“It appears that there is now an additional use for it. At any rate, it is good news that the provincial government is now monitoring the site and will build a fence, and then hopefully comes to a decision on the future of the land,” concluded Bloom.
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