VEREENIGING – Residents of Three Rivers who pay municipal rates have expressed frustration over ongoing dumping, informal recycling, and squatter activity along the Klip River.

The situation has persisted for at least three years, with informal recyclers using areas along Golf Road as a base.

While recyclable items are collected, significant amounts of waste are left behind, some of which ends up in the river.

Residents also report an increase in informal structures and vagrancy along the riverbanks.

Despite the municipality’s awareness of the issue — highlighted during a Vaal River cruise earlier this year, which included representatives from the Red Ants — little visible action has been taken.

Earlier this year, Emfuleni Local Municipality urged residents to report unlawful activities, including illegal structures and unauthorised shacks.

Residents say that, despite following this advice, enforcement and clean-up efforts have been minimal.

One resident shared photographs showing plastic, household refuse, and other waste scattered along the river.

Residents are calling on the municipality to act, enforce bylaws, and ensure the area is properly managed to prevent further environmental and safety risks.