GALLERY: Illegal dumping takes over park in Alberton North
Ward 37 councillor Tiaan Kotze condemns illegal dumping at what used to be one of the cleanest parks in Alberton North.
Ward 37 councillor Tiaan Kotze condemns illegal dumping at what used to be one of the cleanest parks in Alberton North.
This comes after a complaint was brought forward by a concerned resident about the state of the park situated at the corner of Hendrick Potgieter Street and Tenth Avenue.
Refuse bags, rubble and litter are some of the things dumped in the park. Due to high wind, the bulk of waste is then blown to the residents’ streets and properties.
It is also reported that the litter at the park is also used to make fires next to the trees and is left smouldering for days.
Not only does the illegal dumping cause pollution and becomes a health risk for the residents, it also endangers the trees and leaves the park unappealing.
“I have upgraded two parks in my ward since 2016, and this park was next on my list. If the park looks attractive, it will bring people back to the park.
“The community will then need to take ownership of the park by reporting anyone who dumps at the park,” said Kotze.
He also advised that people should dump waste at their nearest waste disposal sites.
In a statement, the MMC for Environment and Waste Management, alderman Khosi Mabaso, stated that the current solid waste does not have charge codes for illegal dumping.
“The Department is also reviewing the solid waste by-laws, to have an integrated waste management approach, which will also address the issuance of fines for illegal dumping,” she stated.
Given Khosa of Parks Department said: “We always prioritise cleanliness of our parks. Our responsibility is to make sure that parks do not have overgrown grass and are always clean.
“We can only cut the grass, but if there’s illegal dumping we then call in the Solid Waste Department.”
According to the City of Ekurhuleni’s Solid Waste by-laws, all builders’ waste should be deposited at a sanitary landfill site approved by the council.
Regulation of parks and open spaces by-laws:
No person shall:
• Remove, mark, damage any fountain, statue, monument, bust, post, chain, railing, fence, seat barrier, gate lamp post, notice board or plate, watch box, house, building, shed, urinal, water closet, flag or other matter or thing, or deface or disfigure the same by pasting or affixing in any way any bills, placard or notice, or by cutting, writing, stamping, printing, drawing, or marking thereon.
• Cut, remove, dig up, burn, pluck, break, climb up or upon or cause damage to timber or to any tree, shrub, brushwood, fencing post, pole, fern, turf, grass, fruit, flower or plan.
• Take, dig, cut, break, damage or remove any gravel, sand, sod, clay, mould, soil, water or other substance.
• Light any fire, except at braai facilities, or burn or do any act, which might cause any timber, brushwood, plant, paper, rubbish or other substance to burn.
• Go into, or attempt to go into any enclosed place, plantation or garden or any temporary enclosure, or walk on any flowerbed or any grass plots, on which walking may be prohibited.
• Commit any encroachment or make or attempt to make any enclosure.
• Erect or place any post, railing, fence, pole, peg, spike, tent, booth, screen, stand, swing or other building, erection or obstruction of any kind whatsoever without the consent of the council in writing.
• Deposit or leave any refuse, rubbish, paper, or other matter or thing in the park, other than in the place provided for such matter.
• Wash clothes or other things in any pond, fountain or ornamental water feature, stream, river or otherwise pollute any water therein.
• Bathe in any pond, fountain, lake, stream, river or ornamental water feature.
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