Illegal dumping threatens uMngeni River wildlife
The River Rangers team collected 150 bags during a clean-up near Athlone Bridge recently.
ILLEGAL dumping is affecting wildlife along the uMgeni River bank off Riverside Road, said members of the Adopt-a-River, River Rangers team. The team, formerly known as the EcoChamps collected 150 bags during a clean-up near Athlone Bridge recently. They say the area is a hotspot for dumping as they continually pick up construction rubble, litter and even dead animals that are dumped on the slope above the sensitive Mangrove habitat.
Siphiwe Ragkabale, who divides his time working with Adopt-a-River and Green Corridors, said low visibility in the area makes it an ideal spot for dumping after dark.
“It’s easy for people to dump here. Every morning and every week, we clean the same spot. The litter that get’s dumped here rolls down the bank and into the mangroves. We are hoping to have a ‘no dumping’ signboard put up. We are also urging the people of Durban North to report it if they see any suspicious cars parking here,” he said.
Also read: River clean up curbs pollution
While Janet Simpkins, founder of Adopt-a-River, agreed that a sign should be put up, she praised the team for curbing pollution in the area successfully.
“We deal with a lot of waste along the river and it’s great to have a dedicated team there to collect litter. Our vision is to expand this model to other rivers in other areas as well and involve more corporate sponsors. We have proven that it works here,” she said.
The River Rangers are sponsored by AD Reach, she added.
The team, which was formed few years ago, was initially tasked with cleaning the river and collecting litter, although, they are now finding bricks, broken panes of glass, razor wire and other construction rubble, said Rakabela.
Also read: Tap into the Clean Rivers campaign to keep rivers pollution free
“We think a contractor saw an opportunity to dump here, instead of going to a dump site. We see the same items being dumped down the road near the Umgeni River Bird Park. We have even found dead animals such as dogs and cats dumped here. The smell of the decaying animals affects the wildlife. As I stand here, I can’t hear any birds, only the crabs are left. The crabs are also being affected by this pollution. Another thing is that when people dump here, they are killing the trees, because they dump over the trees, which is a problem. It’s affecting the environment and it’s a challenge,”he said.
The eThekwini Municipality did not send their comment at the time this article went to press. In a statment released in May, the Municipality condemned illegal dumping.
“All residents are humbly requested to partner with the city to prevent illegal dumping by reporting any signs of this unlawful conduct to 031 311 8804. It is the responsibility of everyone to keep the city clean by disposing of garbage responsibly,” read the statement.
To report dumping to the River Rangers, call Siphiwe Ragkabale on 078 726 4890.
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