The deputy chairperson of the Midrand Community Policing Forum (CPF), Taki Michalakis urged community members to use designated dumping sites for vegetation or rubble.
“There are designated dumping sites for vegetation and rubble in the area. These are readily available and they are managed for health and safety considerations, among others too,” Michalakis said.
He stressed that it was important for residents to refrain from dumping anywhere in the area. “Apart from the fact that this is against the law there could be immense health and safety issues, environmental disasters and it is possible that these can lead to injury and even death.”
Michalakis provided an example where dumping on the edge of the road near the Jukskei River alters the course of flood water to the extent that it could cause a serious or even fatal motor car accident.
“If residents notice people dumping illegally, they should immediately call authorities. MMC for Public Safety, Michael Sun has set up a hotline for this. Metro police numbers are 011 758 9650; 011 237 8000 and 082 779 1361.”
He said if all other options are exhausted, residents should contact their local security service providers as many of them support their communities in this activity as well as local CPF structures. “It is important for communities to familiarise themselves with local CPF structures and their contact details and have the details readily available at all times.
“Vegetation can be taken to the municipal dump on Cedar Road and Main Road in Bryanston and the last time I used this it was for free. I would advise residents to research where they can dump their rubble as most builders and rubble removals are familiar with where they can dump.”
Metro Police’s By-law Management Unit has initiated a Community Active Programme which encourages residents to jot down clear details about illegal dumping and report them to officials.
Residents are urged to take clear photographs of the culprits‚ number plate details and the nature of waste dumped with time and dates so that culprits are tracked down.
Sun stated that some operators would charge anything from R600 to R2 000 for waste to be carted off and dumped around the city. “Waste is dumped in open fields‚ parks and even into the river systems which in turn pollutes our environment and contaminates our valuable water resources‚” Sun said.
“For too long‚ illegal dumpers have prospered at the expense of our City and the health of our residents and environment.”
