Farrar Park residents to clean up illegal dumping site

Frustrated Farrar Park residents are inviting the public to help them with their clean-up sessions in the field identified as Farm Leeuwpoort 113-IR.

Due to a high volume of illegal dumping in and around the field, residents initiated clean-up sessions, which started on November 14.

While cleaning up around the pipelines in the field, residents found alcohol bottles and a pile of newspapers among other things. They filled eight black bags with illegal waste that was dumped on the field.

“We are tired of the illegal dumping. It is still taking place in and around the field. The community is up in arms about this issue and something has to be done to address it.

“We cleaned up around one pipeline that is in the field and around Eckstein Road. DRDGold, which the ground belongs to, can clean up around the other pipelines,” said Antoinette van Zyl, one of the organisers.

“We want to live in a clean environment. It doesn’t matter how much it’s going to cost us, we are taking back our community through these clean-up sessions. It would be appreciated if other community members could assist us with this initiative.”

She added that they are also in need of strong bags and empty dog food bags.

Anybody who would like to assist them or donate bags may contact Antoinette on 061 050 5183.

DRDGold spokesperson James Duncan said that they will remove the illegal dumping.

“An area of dense vegetation appears to be favoured by illegal dumpers as a screen and the company is looking into removing or thinning out the vegetation to allow for clearer lines of sight.”

Recently, the Advertiser reported that the installation of a new fence around Farm Leeuwpoort 113-IR in Farrar Park is being investigated after a petition was signed by approximately 130 residents.

Despite the mine’s attempt to clean up the field, residents feel that the mine should put up a fence, and a petition to that effect was handed over to Ward 32 Clr Marius de Vos.

“The fact that the stolen fence at the field in Impala Park hasn’t been replaced is complicating the relationship between the mine and the residents. They have now signed a petition for the mine to replace the fence and to remove the illegal dumping,” said de Vos.

“To my knowledge, the mine is planning on replacing the fence. I believe that the mine’s fast actions and plans to put up a new fence will help to restore their relationship with the mine.”

He said he is in favour of a new fence being installed.

“A new fence will help to prevent illegal dumpers and miners from gaining access to the field. The zama-zamas can now effortlessly enter the field to rob people. The mine should just carefully consider the type of fence as it has been stolen in the past.

“Crime is a major problem. The police don’t have enough resources and are unable to patrol everywhere. Security companies and the CPF therefore play an important part in preventing crime. Security companies, the police and CPF work hand in hand and a fence will also help to improve the situation.”

James Duncan, spokesperson for DRDGOLD, said they received the petition signed by the residents.

“We want to assure residents that we are not insensitive to their concerns and are doing what we can to address these timeously. Their vigilance and assistance in reporting criminal acts would help us tremendously,” said Duncan.

“We are investigating the installation of a new fence, but from past experience in this area and elsewhere, we know that fencing is seldom an effective deterrent because it is stolen and/or vandalised.”

He said the mine is open to suggestions.

“What would be helpful would be the vigilance of our neighbours and the public at large. If people witness acts of theft or illegal dumping, they can report these immediately – anonymously, if they prefer – to our environmental manager, Louis Kleynhans, on 082 777 3413.

“We are considering putting up warning/information notices at illegal dumping hot spots, but again, our experience is that these are stolen and/or vandalised.

“We recently launched an eastern and central Witwatersrand-wide anti-dumping campaign, offering rewards for information leading to successful prosecutions. Information such as the registration numbers of any vehicles used for theft or illegal dumping, particularly if recorded in a cellphone photograph for example, can help us and the South African Police Service trace and prosecute culprits.

“We would urge the public, however, not to do anything that puts their personal safety at risk. A company official was recently threatened at gunpoint by an illegal dumper.”

He said they have dug a trench in order to prevent vehicular access to their property to discourage illegal dumping. It is still early days, but there seems to have been a decrease in the incidence of illegal dumping in the area.

“We will continue to monitor the situation.”

DRDGOLD also launched a reward-based anti-dumping campaign.

ALSO READ: Rat infestation hits Farrar Park due to Illegal dumping