RESIDENTS of Glen Hills say that despite several attempts to clean up illegal dumping hotspots at the intersection of Malacca Road and Ryde Place, the problem keeps recurring.
The issue of illegal dumping has been a longstanding problem with little or no consequences for those involved in the illegal activity.
Recently, the newspaper met with local resident Ian Nicholson who said the dumping on Malacca Road was now ‘out of control’.
“In the 18 years I’ve lived in the area, it would be fair to say the problem has progressively gotten worse. I drive past the intersection of Ryde Place and Malacca Road on a daily basis, and it’s a complete eyesore. Despite a municipal dump being metres away, people continue to dump, and sadly, some residents from the Malacca Road Informal Settlement encourage them to offload their rubbish on the grassy area next to the lower settlement.
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“The dumping is now out of control. When the eThekwini Municipality has intervened, they bring a front-end loader and push all the rubbish to the back, clearing the front section of the grassy area which simply opens more space for dumping in the front. My suggestion would be to put in Jersey barriers on the grassy areas at the intersection to stop vehicles from accessing it and dumping,” he said.
Nicholson said he has seen residents of the informal settlement actively encourage people to illegally dump so they can scavenge for salvageable goods to use in their homes.
“I understand that some of the residents make a living from gathering scrap, and others use the items for their homes, however, the situation currently has gotten to a point where there is just more rubbish piled on top of mounds of rubbish. The rest of the litter is discarded in large mounds that often spill onto the road, making it difficult for two cars to pass abreast,” he said.
Ward 110 councillor Aamir Abdul said the illegal dumping has adversely affected both the environment and community well-being.
“The problem of illegal dumping involves both informal settlement residents and those responsible for the act. Collaborative efforts are needed to address the root causes and implement effective solutions. Residents’ responses also play a crucial role in deterring illegal dumpers, showcasing the community’s commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment,” he said.
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