Illegal dumping threatens local natural resources
“I propose launching comprehensive community outreach programmes to educate residents about the importance of conserving the city’s natural habitat and the legal ramifications of illegal dumping."
Clr Jean Kriek has asked the Ekurhuleni MMC for Environmental Resources and Waste Management, Leshaka Manamela, to urgently take steps to end the illegal dumping of building rubble in a stream in Constantia Park.
“This stream, like many others, disembogues into several large water basins in and around Kempton Park, where pink flamingos settle just before the SA winter when they travel to Tanzania to breed,” said Kriek.
“One of these basins is in the popular Pomula Park Nature Reserve,” he added.
ALSO READ: Thembisa recovering drug addicts clean up illegal dumping sites
According to Kriek, trucks and bakkies have been seen dumping building rubble into the stream. Another cause for concern for him is that the residents of nearby informal settlements dump their garbage on the stream’s banks.
“Meanwhile, the construction of a bridge across the stream is underway and will, hopefully, be completed by the end of the month. I will pay frequent oversight visits to the site to ensure all the rubble is removed.”
Kriek proposed a few possible solutions to stop the pollution. These included an increase in oversight and monitoring in the area.
“There needs to be an immediate deployment of environmental officials to monitor the affected area and prevent any more illegal dumping,” he said.
“Stringent enforcement of the environmental regulations and taking swift legal action against the offenders will ensure they are held accountable and others deterred from committing the same offences.”
ALSO READ: Illegal dumping site in Glen Marais to be cleaned up
Another possible solution proposed by Kriek is community education and involvement.
“I propose launching comprehensive community outreach programmes to educate residents about the importance of conserving the city’s natural habitat and the legal ramifications of illegal dumping.
“The FF+ will raise the matter during the next council meeting and plead for implementing measures to protect Kempton Park’s natural resources,” said Kriek.
He said illegal dumping is a punishable offence, and those who commit it could face fines.
The Kempton Express sent an inquiry to the CoE on July 4, requesting comment by July 8. At the time of going to print, we had received no comment.
