Illegal dumping spreads across Highway
Businesses have started using the open spaces along Stockville Road as a dumping ground to avoid DSW and landfill fees.
WITH the world finding new and innovative ways to reduce, reuse and recycle waste, Stockville Road in Pinetown has become a literal dumping ground for traders.
The DA PR councillor for ward 15, Marlaine Nair, was appalled at the audacity of businesses owners that allowed their rubble and general waste to be dumped in the open spaces.
“I have spoken to the local law enforcement officer who has agreed that if it means we have to put our gloves on and dig into the waste to find clues as to who the perpetrators are, we will do so. It certainly will be embarrassing to the companies that have dumped waste when we find them,” said Nair.
She also called for eyewitnesses to come forward with relevant information in the fight against dumping and the degradation of the environment.
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“Businesses must take out a contract with DSW for the removal of their general waste instead of dumping it in open spaces,” she said.
Building rubble can be disposed off at the Mariannhill Landfill site.
The cost is R19.57 for 250kg or R78.28 for a ton of rubble.
The rubble that is received is re-used in strengthening the roads and various other ways.
“I am urging all stakeholders to play an active role in the fight against degradation of our environment,” said a concerned Nair.
In another incident, Waterfall residents discovered a Johnnie Walker Striding Man life-size statue while doing a clean-up in a bush in Rock Road.
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Waterfall resident, Gerard Rudolph said he noticed Sabie and Rock roads as well as Lone Creek were littered with rubbish.
He posted a message in the neighbourhood WhatsApp group and,within days, residents stepped into action and the move saw them amass 50 refuse bags filled with litter.
More than three wheelie bins of glass bottles were recycled from a short section of road.
“Among the dumping, we discovered the golden man,” said Rudolph.
The statue has since been strategically placed on the side of the road with a hand-written sign that reads: ‘DRIVE CAREFULLY, Johnnie Walker’s around’, a humorous way to remind drivers to be on the lookout for pedestrians.
While the statue is missing the right hand and is not in mint condition, the residents said they have not decided if the statue would become a permanent feature.
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