Council accused of illegal dumping

While learners played on school grounds at lunch time, oblivious to the two men who continued to pile on rubbish picked up around the flats, throwing it by their preferred dump site all in complete disregard of a resident who angrily asked them why they continued to choose the corner as a dumping zone.

“Why are you fighting with me? It’s the municipality that says we should put this rubbish here so if you want to fight with someone, go and fight at their offices,” said the cleaner.

Rubbish blown by the wind has resulted in the blocking of drains and has also been accused of causing the horrible stench that surrounds the flats.

Jenny, who stays at one of the affected flats, says that she and other residents have tried to contact relevant authorities in efforts to address the matter that has some parents fearing for the lives of their young children as wild rats are known to nibble on babies ears and feet as the child lies awake in pain.

“Previously, there was a Pikitup bin at the corner but it was later removed by pikitup,” added residents. They say that now Pikitup only collects refuse from Forest Hill Primary School and rubbish packed in refuse bags only but haven’t really addressed the issue of the illegal dumpsite.

Ward 55 Counsellor, Rashieda Landris explained that she had received complaints from residents and has been working with Pikitup on dealing with this issue. “I had a meeting with the officials from Pikitup on sight and they said that the big bin had been stolen [not taken away]. Residents were also given black bins to use but they were reluctant to take the bins.”

The Counsellor did however place the blame for the increasing waste at the illegal dumping spot on residents; saying that residents were the parties responsible for the dumping even though they are the ones who later complain.

One resident has taken it upon herself to fight the dumping head on, as she has been seen by others with a broom, plastic refuse bags and a world of determination, sweeping the waste together and ensuring that minimal dirt is left for the rats to feed on.

There have also been other unknown people who on occasion burn the rubbish at the dumping spot, although, some fear that the fire could end up posing a danger to the homes nearby.

While there hasn’t been proper recourse taken to ensure the safety of residents, they say they will not stop trying to get the relevant authorities attention and will to once and for all, solve the matter of illegal dumping near the primary school sports fields.