THE bad impression created by the illegal dumping on Kuswag Lane in Amanzimtoti has led Afriforum, a non-partisan civic organisation, to write to eThekwini Municipality’s manager, Musa Mbhele, in its bid to find a solution.

Also read: Illegal dumping: a growing concern

Waste of all sorts, from building rubble, old furniture, and general household rubbish, is discarded by uncouth residents under the cloak of darkness, as a large section of the road is unlit.

Afriforum’s branch chairperson for Amanzimtoti, Sarel Taljaard, gave Mbhele until November 14 to respond. He said the current condition of Kuswag Lane not only violates basic public health standards but also contravenes several pieces of legislation, including the National Environmental Management Waste Act (Act 59 of 2008), which obliges municipalities to prevent illegal dumping and ensure waste is managed in a manner that protects health and the environment, the Environmental Conservation Act (Act 73 of 1989), which prohibits littering and the unlawful disposal of waste, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996), Section 24, which guarantees every person the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being, and the Municipal Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000), which requires municipalities to provide services in a sustainable and accountable manner, ensuring the community’s health and safety are not compromised.

“It is unacceptable that our youth are exposed to these unsanitary and hazardous conditions daily. The presence of unmanaged waste not only creates a public health concern but also contributes to social decay and environmental degradation,” said Taljaard.

He asked eThekwini to remove all the existing waste, implement regular waste collection and area maintenance, enforce anti-dumping by-laws and erect clear signage to deter further dumping, and consider installing surveillance cameras or increasing patrols in the area to identify offenders.

Ward 93 councillor, Thulisile Zungu, could not be reached for comment as her phone rang unanswered.

Ward 97 councillor, André Beetge, said councillor Zungu was aware of the matter as it had been raised with her.

“Sadly, the culprits are often residents from within the same suburb who either neglect to dispose of their household refuse on scheduled collection days, wish to avoid paying disposal fees, or simply do not want to travel to recognised and serviced dumping sites,” said Beetge.

He added that efforts to prosecute offenders are hampered by the lack of co-operation from eyewitnesses who fail to take supporting photographs, note vehicle registration numbers, or provide formal statements that can stand up in court.

“We firmly believe that the fines for illegal dumping should be drastically increased, as current penalties serve little purpose other than allowing the ongoing poisoning of our environment,” he said.

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