AN increase in illegal dumping and litter in the suburbs has prompted ward councillors Mmabatho Tembe and Chris Papps to get together to devise a plan to deal with the problem. The duo met on Monday to discuss ways in which they could launch a cleanliness campaign in their respective wards.
“The general lack of cleanliness in my ward has become a health hazard. Just driving around the ward this week, I am shocked by the mess and litter,” said Tembe.
The councillors said foot traffic in their wards had increased and DSW was not servicing the area more than once a week. Tembe said a more aggressive response was needed to tackle the issue of grime in ward 33, as well as other municipal wards.
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Papps raised the issue of money and resources being allocated to clean up the inner city CBD, but despite 100 workers having been assigned to clean up the city, it was still a mess.
“Metro Police are moving vagrants out of the CBD and into the outer city, which adds to the increase in litter. Money and resources stay in the CBD but I believe the area from the Umbilo River to Umgeni River should be included as part of the inner city as these are densely populated areas,” he said.
The councillors said they were considering taking a two-pronged approach in their wards. The first was to address the issue of habitual dumpers and to take a ‘name and shame’ approach on social media where possible.
“People need to be educated on when their refuse collection days are, as well as on the impact that dumping household refuse in foot traffic bins has on the area. It’s time to nail people for illegal dumping as this is a serious offence. The fine is a maximum of R5 000. Offenders need to know they will be prosecuted. Residents who are aware of who the illegal dumpers are must report them. The community and DSW need to work together,” said Tembe.
Pappas said the campaign would include general education, to ensure people know when their collection days are, what the different coloured bags are for, where to take excess rubbish such as garden refuse and building rubble and to educate people on what DSW would collect.
“DSW are efficient in a lot of cases, but when residents dump items such as garden refuse and building rubble, this is out of DSW’s mandate and it becomes difficult,” he said.
The second approach of the campaign would be to increase the oversite role with DSW to ensure contracts are in place.
“Contracts are an issue. I have observed some areas which are in such a mess, only to find out that there are currently no contracts in place. There is no communication with ward councillors. These contracts should be planned in advance, as this happens too often,” said Tembe.
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Pappas said there was a perception that the northern areas received better service as the areas were generally cleaner, however this was not the case.
“DSW offers the same weekly collection service in all areas, however in some areas residents take pride in their areas and play a role as active citizens. Residents in the Oakley Park area previously got together to pay for a clean up as they are proud of their area,” he said.
The councillors said they would launch the campaign by putting together leaflets to distribute to residents, and would work with DSW on improving service delivery.
Residents can report illegal dumping to 031 311 8804.
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