Pinetown plagued by illegal dumping

RAT infested, filthy and polluted- some words that best describe the shameful state of some part parts of Pinetown, that have been left neglected and degraded by illegal dumping.

Pinetown resident, Paul Burmeister has been sending complaints to the ward councillor, Melanie Brauteseth appealing for action to be taken to change the situation.

According to Burmeister, he has lodged multiple complaints from April last year and nothing has been done.

ALSO READ: Illegal dumping continues to spiral across Highway

“If you look under the bridge at the onramp to the freeway from Crompton Street for example, you will see upturned bins and what we, as street cleaners, refer to as old litter. This has been lying here for months,” he said.

Burmeister said there is a sickening smell of sewerage in the area coupled with litter that sits for months.

“If you travel down Crompton Street and go into Imperial Lane, behind the old Imperial Hotel and take a look you will be astonished at the decay and neglect. Never do you see any cleaners here and the indigent cardboard collectors run rampant on the property,” said the disappointed resident.

ALSO READ: Illegal dumping spreads across Highway

The Durban Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit said it has implemented a number of waste management education programmes aimed at educating the public on the dangers caused by illegal dumping, this has been coupled by clean-up campaigns that were meant to eradicate illegal dumpsite.

“A clean up is currently being planned for the area, however this will not resolve the core problem which requires change in human behaviour. We therefore request all stakeholders (that the media, organisation and the residents) work together with the City to promote proper waste management practises and educate the public on the dangers of illegal dumping to ensure that all live in a safe and healthy environment,” said eThekwini Municipality’s Spokesperson Lindiwe Khuzwayo.

According to the City, street litter bins are strategically placed in public areas and the Adopt- A-Spot programme was initiated and still in place to convert illegal dumpsites to gardens and parks.

“Despite all these initiatives, the City still faces the challenge of illegal dump sites that are continuously mushrooming in certain areas. The Unit requests residents to report those who are illegally dumping waste to authorities or CSW law enforcement on: 031 311 8804. Those found guilty of dumping will be charged and be liable to pay a fine or face imprisonment,” said Khuzwayo.

The Highway Mail contacted Councillor Melanie Brauteseth and no response was received by the time of publication.