Pikitup mum on illegal dumping
Due to safety concerns a resident of Glenanda, François de Lange contacted the CHRONICLE for media intervention
JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – The koppie on Van Beek Avenue, in Glenanda, has illegally been turned into a dumping ground by people who have a disregard for the law and the rights of residents.
Due to safety concerns, a resident of Glenanda, Francois de Lange, contacted the CHRONICLE, hoping that media intervention would put pressure on authorities to deal with the matter once and for all.
De Lange took the CHRONICLE reporter on a drive to show her that the shocking level of illegal dumping in and around the koppie on Van Beek Avenue can be seen from the windows of the Virgin Active gym nearby, and that something needs to be done about it.
“I’m a member at Virgin Active and sometimes we see bakkies driving in here and dumping; the culprits are construction businesses and residents,” said de Lange.
”We want boards to say stop illegal dumping. I’ve reached out to the ward councillor on this matter and he promised to take it up with Pikitup,” said de Lange.
Manager of Virgin Active Mamello Tsolo, also known to residents as MK, said: “We can’t control it; a lot of residents have brought it to our attention.
”I started working at the gym in 2010 and I’ve noticed it’s getting worse. If you go up the koppie it’s horrible and it’s becoming a health hazard.”
Behind the Virgin Active facility, there’s a route through the koppie where heaps of rubble have been dumped along the koppie. Along Van Beek Avenue, there are also traces of rubble and litter.
“I’ve had no feedback from Pikitup; I’ve reported it, I’ve done what I said I would do,” said Ward 23 councillor Paul Smit.
”Since a new depot manager has taken over the depot has gone to hell. I’ve only had one meeting with him, where he made all these wonderful promises.”
The CHRONICLE approached Pikitup for comment, but no response had been received at the time of publication.
