The activity of recyclers and their impact on Eastleigh Spruit was again highlighted by Eastleigh business owners.
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It was the second time this year that Shirley and Gerhard Horak contacted Bedfordview and Edenvale News about the recyclers operating on the banks of Eastleigh Spruit near the Edendale Road culvert.
In January, Shirley informed the publication that the recyclers gained access to the area after a palisade fence meant to keep pedestrians out of the spruit was damaged and collapsed in November.
Since then, the recyclers used the river bank between the spruit and the road to sort through their collected materials.
At the time Shirley raised concerns about the environmental damage caused by waste pollution.
Shirley appealed to the municipality for assistance, but nothing was done by the authorities.
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At the time the City of Ekurhuleni said although it was not aware of the group of recyclers nor the damaged fence, it would investigate the matter.
It stated that waste pickers are a national challenge which cannot be addressed by Ekurhuleni alone.
At the start of February, a community clean-up was held around the Eastleigh Taxi Rank.
The NEWS has since learned and received photographs showing how the area is again in a mess as it was before the clean-up.
On February 15, the Horaks contacted the publication informing it that the fence had once again been pushed over after the recyclers allegedly erected the fence and tied a banner across it for privacy.
Gerhard said the fence was pushed over during a rainstorm on February 14, which is the same night when water was 200mm below their property’s doorway.
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“It’s as if the municipality no longer cares about Edenvale and Bedfordview,” said Shirley.
The couple said the matter was reported to Ward 19 Ald Bill Rundle who escalated the matter.
Gerhard, who has lived in Edenvale for over 63 years, said previously pavements and drains were maintained and rubbish was collected by the municipality.
“Now I’m paying for those services but nothing is happening.”
Gerhard said besides the concerns raised by his wife, the recyclers pose a security risk.
He said when he attempted to remove the banner from the fence, individuals at the location intimidated him.
He said that sometimes the men bathe in the spruit in full view of pedestrians walking past.
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In response to the concerns, CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the city is not aware of the broken palisade fence and will investigate.
He reiterated the city is not aware of the recyclers at the culvert.
“We will investigate this particular group and give an informed response.”
Dlamini said in the past the CoE worked towards formalising waste pickers in line with national standards.
“It was confirmed by different trials and studies that trying to formalise waste pickers is almost impossible,” said Dlamini.
“The recommendation which is acceptable to both government, recycling industry and the waste pickers is waste picker integration.”
He said the city is working on a waste minimisation plan that will provide guidance on how to integrate the waste pickers into formal waste management.
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Once done, the city will incorporate the activity of waste pickers in the planning for the waste operation.
Dlamini said the litter and debris will be cleared by the city’s waste management department.
A request for comment was sent to EMPD on February 16, requesting comment by the following day at 13:00. At the time of going to print no comment was received.
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