Residents urged to cease dumping nappies in drains

FOLLOWING the recent clearing of a stormwater drain in Austerville, residents are warned to refrain from disposing nappies into drains as this causes blockages to the stormwater system. This emerged during a recent cleanup campaign held in Austerville.

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Residents are reminded that this reckless behaviour not only poses a severe threat to the environment, but also exacerbates flooding risks and compromising public safety. In light of this pressing concern, residents are urged to exercise utmost care and responsibility in disposing of waste, particularly nappies, which are not biodegradable and can wreak havoc on drainage systems.

In a statement, eThekwini Municipality called on residents to play their in ensuring a clean and spontaneous environment.

“The consequences of such negligence extend beyond mere inconvenience, as blockages in stormwater drains can result in widespread flooding, property damage, and environmental degradation,” statement read.

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To avert this looming crisis, the municipality is issuing a stern directive to all residents and visitors to cease illegal dumping and littering immediately. Instead, individuals are urged to adhere strictly to designated waste collection schedules in their respective areas and utilise proper waste disposal methods to safeguard the integrity of the stormwater drainage infrastructure.

Furthermore, the municipality said education and awareness campaigns will be intensified to underscore the importance of responsible waste management practices and the detrimental effects of improper waste disposal on the environment and community well-being.

“By fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and collective responsibility, we can mitigate the adverse impacts of irresponsible waste disposal and preserve the natural beauty and functionality of our surroundings.

“Every individual has a role to play in safeguarding our shared resources and promoting sustainable living practices. Let us heed the municipality’s call to action and work together to uphold the integrity of our stormwater drainage systems and protect the health and vitality of our community for generations to come,” statement read.

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