Now imagine a whole new dumping site being started near a residential area, not only is it a health hazard but it destroys the beauty of the surrounding area.
Madeleine Swanepoel, a resident of Tasbet Park 3, has said that there are people who constantly come to the open field in Merriedale Street and just dump whatever there. “I confronted a man last week Thursday, January 16 about his dumping there. He threatened me, told me to f-off before he kills me. He also stuck his finger in my face and tried snatching my cellphone, when he realised I was taking pictures of him and his actions,” said Swanepoel.
In another dumping incident, Swanepoel said that she was on her way to the shops on Sunday morning, January 19, when she noticed yet another van doing some illegal dumping there. “I again went and approached the man who was dumping there and he also refused to stop dumping there,” said Swanepoel. Swanepoel added that there used to be a notice sign of “No Dumping” but it has since been removed from that field.
Swanepoel said, “The residents of Tasbet Park 3 are tired of asking people to stop dumping there, there is a stench that comes from that dumping site and it’s really not healthy for us and the kids in the area.” She added that she has sent the pictures to Theo Van Vuuren and he advised her to open a case against the dumpers. Illegal dumping carries a fine and a dumping site is available just passed Paxton, for all to use. The residents of Tasbet Park 3, as well as Swanepoel, would like help from the municipality and the police, to stop these people from illegally dumping their rubbish near their houses.
“The municipality is aware of people dumping illegally and the laws, fines and rates for them doing so will be made available to the public in coming weeks,” said the municipality spokesperson, Lebohang Mofokeng.
