Illegal dumping Sager Street Shalimar Ridge
Sager Street in Shalimar Ridge has become an eyesore because of illegal dumping. According to residents, a piece of land zoned for business has been left unattended for years and is being used by waste pickers to separate plastic and metal to be sold as scrap.
Residents complained of pollution that has increased due to the remains of the scrap.
“There are sharp objects and shards of glass that are left behind which cause punctures to residents cars. The waste also blocks the sewage line that is located nearby. Raw sewage runs every now and again and flows across the street,” said Lorraine Das, a resident who has reported the matter to Lesedi Local Municipality (LLM), Water and Sanitation Department.
“Sager Street is narrow and large trucks transporting scrap block the street, making it difficult for home owners to pass. These large trucks also cause damage to the surface as the large bins used to store and transport the scrap is sometimes put on the road,” Das added.
A local hardware store uses the driveway and parking lot located behind the vacant land to store sand. The open sandpit subjected to wind and rain is a concern to residents as it is believed to cause severe air pollution.
“The sand pit is located next to a block of residential flats and opposite residential houses. The lives of both young and old are at risk as we all know sand particles can cause respiratory complications,” Das concluded.
HERAUT referred the matter to LLM spokesperson Katleho Seaga, who informed that the municipality will engage with the scrap dealers and parties who are contributing to pollution, so that a permanent solution can be found and will provide feedback once a solution is reached.
