THE illegal dumpsite at Kuswag Lane in Amanzimtoti was cleared less than 24 hours after an article in the SUN laid bare the dumping and how it has affected the community (Dumping disgrace – November 14).

Also read: Illegal dumping outcry at Kuswag Lane

For months, residents had complained that the heaps of rubbish on the road to Kuswag Skool gave a bad image not only to the school but the entire Ward 93. Afriforum’s Sarel Taljaard, who wrote to Musa Mbhele, eThekwini Municipality’s city manager, said the youth who used the road when walking to school were being exposed to unsanitary and hazardous conditions. He gave Mbhele until November 14 to respond.

Some of the things that were dumped included old furniture, building rubble, and general household refuse. Taljaard said that after he wrote the letter to the municipality, he was happy to see that people were sent to clean up.

“Thank you very much for the response,” said Taljaard.

While the ward councillor could not be reached for comment, Councillor André Beetge of Ward 97 said the culprits are often residents from 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.

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