Councillors call for Dale dumpsite re-opening following increase in illegal dumping

Following an increase in illegal dumping in their wards, Ward 92 and 110 councillors, Chairmaine Ngoepe and Angie Mphaho, respectively have called for the urgent re-opening of the Dale Road dumpsite.

The Dale Road dumpsite was closed in 2017 after being earmarked for a project by the landowner.

This comes as various suburbs in their wards, President Park and Glen Austin are plagued by an increase in illegal dumping.
The recent by-law infraction involves rubble with sporadic litter and garden refuse being dumped on the corner Dale Road and Fouche Street in President Park.

Ngoepe said the increase in illegal dumping was a constant menace in her ward and as a result, a dumpsite an alternative or temporary dumpsite is needed.
Ngoepe said, “It is not fair that residents do not have a dump site. I will follow up with the city so that this issue can be resolved quickly because it’s long overdue. The increase of illegal dumping might soon spiral out of control.”

Ward 110 councillor Mphaho said she will also arrange a meeting with city officials responsible for the environment to try to get a solution to the issue.
“Illegal dumping is all over my ward and it is increasing daily because of lots of open space or land. But because we do not have a dumpsite, some residents then dump their rubble and refuse anywhere on the road. There is another dumping site that I saw on Moddernfontein Road that will soon be a problem to clean,” said Mphaho.

Johannesburg Metro Police spokesperson Xolani Fihla said they have received numerous complaints of illegal dumping from residents, which their officers have acted upon.
“The fines for illegal dumping range from R1 500 to R5 000. The R1 500 fine falls under public open spaces by-laws and the R 5 000 fine falls under the waste management by-laws. Unfortunately, we cannot arrest perpetrators for contravening these by-laws, we can only issue fines.”

Pikitup’s spokesperson Muzi Mkhwanazi said drop-off sites cannot be made available as requested in all areas due to budgetary constraints and for compliance purposes with environmental legislation and applicable standards.

“Allocation of drop off sites is one way, but not the only means, to combat illegal dumping. Provision of these facilities is dependent on budget availability and feasibility in order to comply with the environmental legislation and applicable standards,” said Mkhwanazi.

He said illegal dumping was recurring on illegal dumping spots despite cleaning and other efforts by the city.

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