Legal action taken against contractor for illegal dumping in Bedfordview

Newedge Technology plans to take legal action against a contractor hired to dispose of waste after a fire at their Terrace Road property.

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The contractor illegally dumped the waste in several areas across Kempton Park and Edenvale.

According to Ward 17 Clr Simon Lapping, he received a report of illegal dumping next to Dries Niemandt Park and decided to do his own investigation into the origins of the dumped waste.

“I took some of the material home and started tracking the waste through products and barcodes. My team found they belonged to a Sebenza business, Newedge Technology.”

He escalated the matter to the Sebenza SAPS, the EMPD and the City of Johannesburg’s environmental health department, and a case was opened against Newedge Technology.

“I went to the company in Sebenza with my evidence and called the EMPD for assistance. It was clearly visible that the waste came from this company,” said Lapping.

On August 30 last year, a fire broke out at Newedge Technology’s Sebenza premises. It spread rapidly and much stock was lost.

“The SAPS and fire department carried out a thorough investigation.

“This was followed by an extensive investigation by our insurers.

“We eventually received authorisation from our insurers and other parties to demolish the building.

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“We approached the City of Ekurhuleni and obtained the required permit so that the work could commence,” said Chris Wait on behalf of Newedge Technology.

He added that Newedge Technology was not in the business of construction, and as such, relied heavily on the advice of various consultants and engineers throughout the rebuilding process.

“We also do not possess the necessary equipment to perform the demolition work required.

“We mandated the services of a contractor to demolish the building and properly dispose of any waste, including the stock that was destroyed or damaged during the fire,” said Wait.

He added that the demolition contractor did not handle waste disposal because it is not his area of expertise.

“The contractor was given the details of an entity that could provide this service. Little did we realise that this entity was not legitimate and would dump the waste in various areas around Kempton Park and Edenvale.

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 “The vehicles and equipment used in this illegal dumping do not belong to us, and none of the persons involved is employed by us.

“We did not in any way mandate the contractor to dispose of the waste in any unlawful manner,” said Wait.

He added that representatives from Newedge Technology were first made aware of the illegal dumping when an employee was arrested on March 16.

The next day (March 17) all charges against the employee were withdrawn in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court.

Representatives from Newedge Technology then met with Lapping and were shown several of the sites where the dumping had taken place.

“We also have vacant land in various areas and are cognisant of the harm illegal dumping does and the resulting cost to the property owner, be it state, private or municipality owned. We don’t want our brand name sullied by the illegal activity of any party contracted by us.”

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Company representatives have engaged legal counsel to assist in taking the necessary steps to ensure the culprits are brought to justice.

“We have been provided with eight specific sites where the dumping took place.

“We express our appreciation to all the parties concerned for making us aware of this and we look forward to properly tidying the areas where waste from our building was dumped,” said Wait.

Lapping said he is working closely with all parties to ensure a conviction for the illegal dumping and that all affected areas would be cleaned and rehabilitated accordingly.

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