CASUAL waste collectors have resorted to using the public verges of Otto Volek Road to conduct the business of storing and bundling plastic and paper waste. It is disgraceful conduct in the full glare of a major road within view of many substantial and sophisticated business operators. This is not a small operation – men and women up to 10 strong can be seen working along a 25m stretch of Otto Volek Road, daily.
Despite repeated emails and phone calls to the Pinetown and eThekwini authorities, we have not had any success. The situation is getting worse every day and there has been no improvement.
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I am all for recycling but we need to keep our community neat and tidy at the same time.
Otto Volek is a very busy road and many road users have to slow down when the pickers run across the road, which is so dangerous. We also have to avoid the numerous vehicles that stop and collect the rubbish and drop off more rubbish.
The verge is being damaged and the stream the pickers use to wet/soften the cardboard is being polluted and this is also a concern as it’s being blocked up. During heavy rains the stream floods due to the amount of junk/cardboard/plastic in it. The pickers are also using the ditch/stream as a toilet when they are going through the plastic, which is just not acceptable.
We appeal to you to please assist us in getting this rubbish removed and to prevent any further littering in our area.
Enough littering / keep our area beautiful.
eThekwini Municipality’s spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela responds as follows:
The ‘storing’ of refuse or waste bags on or near verges, roads, curbs is considered illegal dumping. Thank you for bringing the matter to our attention. This will be investigated, and the transgressors, if found, will be served with contravention notices.
The City has several illegal dumping prevention strategies that have been put in place. Police patrols are sensitised to take action when members of the public are found to be dumping. Fines will be issued to offenders.
The City has implemented nine new by-laws that are aimed at dealing with various offences. Among these by-laws is the Nuisances and Behaviour in Public Places By-law, under which littering is prohibited. Enforcement is already underway and police have begun taking a tough stance against offenders. Metro Police have written summonses and issued fines to those who contravene the by-laws.
In our efforts to maintain a clean and sustainable City, we urge residents to continue reporting illegal dumping to 031 311 8804 and be responsible by ensuring that their neighbourhoods are kept clean by taking care of the environment. We also call on all residents to be champions of change and stop littering.
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