THE issue of illegal dumping has been a longstanding problem in North Durban with many residents and businesses feeling there are little to no consequences for those involved in the illegal activity.
One of the hotspots since 2013 has been Acutt Avenue, however, despite engagement with Cleansing and Solid Waste (CSW), dumpers have found new spots to offload items.
Prior to the issue, dumpers had used the pavements outside businesses to dump materials with two scrapyards close by.
However, now, the dumping has shifted to the turning-circle island, blocking a section of the road.
Businessman Craig Chrystal said he is at his wits’ end from trying to get the eThekwini Municipality to remove the ever-growing pile of items.
Also read: Business owner appeals to City to repair streetlights on Riverside Road
“There are piles of scrap everywhere, parts of old electronic equipment, car parts, a washing machine and other items. Prior to this spot being used for illegal dumping, the businesses in the area had an issue with overflowing sewerage drains on a servitude leading to the Briardene Informal Settlement. While the issue was eventually rectified, the material blocking the pipes and the items illegally dumped along the servitude were moved to the turning-circle island.
“That pile of rubbish, though, has now attracted illegal dumpers, and on a daily basis, the pile of dumped items continues to grow. It has gotten to a stage where a section of the road was blocked. Businesses in the area moved the rubbish away from the road, but our worry now, aside from the dumped pile, is that many items may end up in the stormwater or sewerage system which could cause additional problems. The dumpers are obviously coming after hours or in the night to dump the items,” he said.
Chrystal added that a long-term solution is needed to address the issue.
“This intersection is also not safe for motorists, as well, as there have been a few theft incidents here. Despite emails to the City, there has been no response. This needs a senior person to come and inspect and put a long-term sustainable solution in place,” he said.
For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook, X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
