Illegal dumping in various informal settlements, such as Ramaphosa, Joe Slovo and Delmore, has become shambolic.
These dumpsites, which are visible on the side of roads, are filled with all sorts of trash, including rotten food, plastic, infected rodents, boxes, clothing and rubble. Residents said these dumpsites emanate from the metro’s poor service delivery.
Ramaphosa
Speaking to the Advertiser, a Ramaphosa resident, Ntombizanele Ntshutshwana, highlighted that illegal dumping was caused by uncollected garbage.
“Residents have been left with no choice but to dump their rubbish in these vacant spaces due to the non-collection of their rubbish. We have tried numerous times to group ourselves and clean the dumpsite, but people still dump their garbage there regardless,” she said.
Residents of Ramaphosa highlighted that these dumpsites have also become dumping hot spots for mothers to throw away their unwanted foetuses.
According to Charmaine Opperman, who lives in Ramaphosa Extension Five, a body of a newborn baby was discovered a few months ago along Fish Eagle Street. Furthermore, in February, another baby was discovered by a recycler at a dumpsite near Flock of God Church.
“What I’ve noticed is that residents don’t dump their garbage during the day. These dumpsites not only cause pollution but pose health risks to us and our children. Often, people are seen fiddling in those dumpsites looking for food, which is a big health concern,” said Opperman.
Last month, the Advertiser spoke to Ward 42 Clr Musa Nkosi regarding the dumpsites in Ramaphosa. She said she was aware of four dumpsites.
“The contractors who were hired to clean these dumpsites have since last year been halted, which is why the dumpsites haven’t been cleared,” she said.
She mentioned she will visit the dumpsite to observe the situation. The residents have commended her for sticking to her promise that she will visit the dumpsites but said nothing has been done since her visitation.
Delmore
Meanwhile, in Delmore the situation is dire with 11 dumpsites full to the brim.
The scattered rubbish in and around the area has taken over the place, leaving less space for vehicles to navigate the streets.
According to the community leader, Sizwe Hlatswayo, they haven’t seen a municipal truck in the area since August.
“In February when we saw the dumpsites were overflowing, we went to the municipal offices to report the situation, but we were told there was no budget to pay the contractors and we must wait until the end of June. We felt insulted by their response because how can a human being live in such a terrible state until June?” he asked.
Hlatswayo said community members were thinking of piling the rubbish on main roads such as Wit Deep Road and Commissioner Street to demand the metro’s attention.
Joe Slovo
Nosipho Mbasana, who has been a resident of Joe Slovo since 1995, said they still don’t have dustbins.
“We just put our garbage inside a bucket and then throw it on the side of the road along St Anthony’s Road. That pile of rubbish stays there for months before municipal trucks collect the rubbish. The situation has become our reality because it has always been like this. We feel like we are the forgotten ward.”
