Uncollected garbage causes upset
The refuse is being strewn by vagrants and the bin bags are also being stolen.
Weeks of uncollected garbage have led to a growing pile of waste and a breeding ground for flies in Brauteseth Road in Marburg.
Business owners claim the refuse has not been collect by the municipality for the past three weeks.
“The refuse is being strewn by vagrants and the bin bags are also being stolen. We have always had a problem as the driver of the refuse truck refuses to come to the end of the road. Most of us now take the refuse to the intersection, making it easier for the municipality staff to collect it, but we are still facing a problem,” said Derick Aron.
Fathima Moosa, the chairperson for the Marburg Ratepayers’ Association, said the South Coast is facing a huge dumping crisis.
“The ratepayers have volunteered countless hours to address illegal dumping and uncollected litter along most roads in Marburg. These business owners are being charged monthly on their rates. Communication is key between the municipality, residents and business owners to curb illegal dumping.”
Morgan Naidoo, the chairperson for the Umbango River Conservancy, said since its formation, the organisation has been focused on sewage spills and illegal dumping.
“Are environmental officers and health inspectors blind to the issues that we highlight? They are paid officials with authority and power. Why are they failing in their duties? The main problems that I see are a lack of resources (environmental police.), inadequate waste management programmers, insufficient enforcement and high penalties. Also, there’s limited community engagement and education,” he explained.
A query was sent to Ray Nkonyeni Municipality for comment, but none was received at the time of going to press.
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