Pollution threatening local natural resources raises concerns
Another cause for concern for him is that the residents of the nearby informal settlements dump their garbage on the stream’s banks.
According to the CoE, land pollution remains a challenge, evidenced by littering and the illegal disposal of construction and domestic waste in open spaces, along main roads and in water courses.
In the July 11 edition of the Kempton Express, Clr Jean Kriek raised concerns that the pollution in Ekurhuleni threatened local natural resources.
Kriek 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.
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“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.
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 the nearby informal settlements dump their garbage on the stream’s banks.
“One of these basins is in the popular Pomula Park Nature Reserve,” he added.
Kriek also proposed a few possible solutions to stop the pollution, including increasing oversight and monitoring in the area.
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“The city must immediately deploy environmental officials to monitor the affected area and prevent any more illegal dumping,” he said.
The spokesperson for the CoE, Zweli Dlamini, said unsightly pollution negatively affects the city’s aesthetics.
He added that the city was implementing contracts to ensure the correct management of the waste generated by the residents within its jurisdiction.
“This means that waste is collected, transported and disposed of at approved landfill sites, which discourages the illegal disposal of waste in open areas.
“Door-to-door refuse collection services are rendered weekly through service providers and in-house waste collection.”
Dlamini said hiring specialised waste management vehicles happens on a when-needed basis through contacting.
“The city aims to continually distribute 240L wheelie bins to ensure proper waste storage and deter littering, illegal dumping, and vermin breeding.
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“The city also clears illegal dumping on an as-and-when-required basis depending on available resources. Clean-up campaigns are also held at identified illegal dumping hotspots,” said Dlamini.
“The campaigns aim to address, eliminate and reduce illegal dumps and educate communities about acceptable waste management practices.
“The city ensures that all waste management facilities are operational and comply with the relevant legislation.
“To do this, officials conduct education and awareness campaigns ensuring that residents, industries, institutions and businesses manage their waste responsibly.”
Dlamini added that the integrated waste management by-laws were approved, and the city uses administrative enforcement processes in the National Environmental Management Act and Environmental Conservation Act.
“All strategies are effective. However, residents continue to dispose of waste illegally. Vigorous education and enforcement of by-laws will ensure responsible waste management by the residents,” said Dlamini.
Dlamini said no person may dispose of waste or knowingly or negligently cause or permit waste to be disposed of, in or on any land, waterbody or at any facility unless the law authorised the disposal.
“Any person who contravenes this law and commits an offence will be liable for a fine not exceeding R10 000 000 or a period not exceeding 10 years imprisonment or both fine and imprisonment,” he said.
