AN ILLEGAL dumper was fined R5000 after he was found disposing of his waste at Blaze Way near the Amanzimtoti Fire Station on October 15. This was thanks to a brave resident who jumped into action when he saw the illegal activity taking place.

Also read: Illegal dumping – a growing concern

The site has seen some uncouth community members dump their household waste as well as garden refuse. When Keith Walters saw three men offloading rubbish at the site from a bakkie, he drove in and blocked it so they could not drive off, and called the metro police.

“I was most impressed with their prompt response and prosecution. They made him load up one load of his waste and take it away, along with his expensive piece of paper. I wish to raise awareness that the site is being monitored and it is very costly to illegally dump your waste,” said Walters.

He added that he is gatvol of the lawlessness and the community is monitoring this site for illegal dumping. The dumper and his two assistants were instructed to take their waste and dispose of it properly at any of the municipal dumpsites.

The incident follows another Amanzimtoti resident, Judith Ludwig, who expressed disappointment that the site next to a stream on Blaze Way is in poor condition due to illegal dumping. In August, Ludwig organised a clean-up and invited a recycling company to take whatever waste that could be recycled. Ludwig said she could not understand why people resort to illegal dumping of their household waste when the rubbish truck passes by their homes every week.

Also read: Ocean View dumping incenses resident

“Right now the dumping is worse than before. There are disposable nappies everywhere,” said Ludwig.

eThekwini Municipality’s illegal dumping by-law

• The eThekwini Municipality waste management by-laws state that no person may dump, leave, or accumulate any garden refuse, motor vehicle wrecks, spare parts, building rubble, rubbish, or any other waste in or on any public place, or anywhere outside of a place officially designated by the municipality. Discarding waste in a way that detracts from the cleanliness of a public space or creates a public health/environmental hazard is strictly illegal.

• Offenders can be issued spot fines of up to R5000 or face vehicle impoundment. Upon conviction in court, fines can reach up to R100 000 or lead to imprisonment for up to three years.

• Report illegal dumping to the Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit on 031 311 8804, or to the metro police on 031 361 0000.

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