Illegal dumping in Glen Austin affects species at the Bird and Bullfrog Sanctuary
City Parks'Bio-Aquatics Specialist says they are in the process of fencing the Bullfrog Pan in a bid to preserve the life of endangered species.
Several species at the Bird and Bullfrog Sanctuary, also known as Bullfrog Pan in Glen Austin, are in danger according to residents.
They claim this is a result of illegal dumping near the Bullfrog Pan on Dale Road and after heavy rains, contaminated water and rubbish flow into the pan.
Resident Kitso Marumo contacted Midrand Reporter after noticing this.
“The problem is so bad now that the temporary fence that was erected is no longer there and the litter is making its way to the pan. I don’t know why the community is doing this but urgent help is needed to stop this and protect our environment,” said Marumo.
Another resident, Gerhard Schutte whose house is near the pan, said he usually cleaned up litter once a week to prevent it from being washed into the pan. “Illegal dumping here is [a big problem] and sometimes I clean after people who illegally dump along the Belvedere Road because, after heavy rains, small particles go all the way to the pan,” said Schutte.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo’s Integrated Catchment Management Unit (ICM) said it would recommend fencing off the pan.
Bio-aquatics specialist Mulalo Mbedzi of City Parks Integrated Catchment Management Unit (ICM) said the pan was currently being fenced off and urged stronger community visibility that would act as neighbourhood watch.
“ICM is responsible for cleaning the pan, the impoundment is always waterlogged and ICM does a bit of vegetation control around the pan. Activities [maintenance] are not allowed from late August to January due to breeding and offspring season,” said Mbedzi.
Ward 92 councillor Charmaine Ngoepe said she would follow up with the City on the issue of dumping. “Residents are urged to refrain from dumping illegally around the area. We are working on developing a dump site for the residents but in the meantime, they should put their garbage in their bins for collection by Pikitup.”
When asked who was responsible for ensuring that the area had a dump site, Pikitup spokesperson Muzi Mkhwanazi said, “It’s a long process that needs other stakeholders’ input. Maybe the issue can also be raised during Integrated Development Planning (IDP) sessions.”
Related article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/312238/glen-austin-plagued-by-dumpsite-shortages
