Residents of Shakaskraal Nkobongo are worried about the illegal dumping that is happening next to their township along the Umhlali River.
It appears that mainly construction companies are doing the dumping. When the Courier visited the area, there were cement paper packets, bricks, vehicle parts, tree branches and old furniture in the illegal dump.
Peter Hodsdon from Nkobongo Resource Centre said the dumping was unhealthy for the people of the area.
“It is not the people from Nkobongo who come and dump their waste but people from other places,” said Hodsdon.
One of the residents, Zama Mgadi said she is concerned that the dumping could increase the number of rats. Another concern is that people who have planted vegetable gardens along the river believe the waste cannot be good for their plants.
“Judging from what we have seen on the news, rats can be dangerous and carry disease, so the increase of the illegal dumping in the area it a threat to our children,” said Mgadi.
Ward 22 councillor Themba Ntuli said he knows about the problem and has reported it to the municipality.
“It is an ongoing problem,” said Ntuli.
The Courier emailed KwaDukuza municipality on Thursday. However at the time of going to print we had not had any response from them.
If you see any illegal dumping in KwaDukuza you can report it to the KwaDukuza crime prevention unit on 032-9462711.
