A berm constructed on Rustenburg Road in order to prevent illegal dumpers from entering the park.
VICTORY PARK – Illegal dumping is an ongoing problem that affects a number of communities.
Ward 117 councillor Tim Truluck executed an innovative method to discourage and prevent companies from dumping waste illegally in public spaces. He constructed berms to prevent trucks from dumping their waste.
Truluck said a berm is a mound of soil lining the perimeter of parks and other vacant areas. The idea came about when he arranged a meeting last year with residents in the area. “The aim of the berms is to keep dumpers out of the park by creating a barrier,” he said.
Ward 117 councillor Tim Truluck stands on top of a berm that is made by using building rubble and soil, which prevents trucks from dumping illegally.
“This is a temporary solution that does not affect anyone else who goes to parks. The first berm was constructed in October last year along Ley Road and the second one, a month ago, on Rustenburg Road and also in Victory Park,” said Truluck. “I believe the other problem with illegal dumping is residents and contractors who hire them and allow them to dump their rubble in public spaces.”
He added that a solution to the problem could be to pay builders half their pay until they provide documented evidence that they dumped their rubble legally. Once that has been done, the builders can be paid the amount in full. Truluck suggested that contractors should abide by the waste management bylaws.
Ward 117 councillor, Tim Truluck stands next to a berm that was constructed in the area.
“The waste management bylaws states vehicles need to have a licence to carry waste; they should be in good condition and suitable for work and the vehicle should be covered with a net to prevent waste from blowing off while it’s moving. I would like the same bylaws that are applied in Cape Town, to be applied in Johannesburg and introduce a higher fine,” explained Truluck.
The first berm that was constructed last year on Ley Road.
He offered the following tips for residents who notice illegal dumpers:
Take a photograph of the vehicle’s number plate
Send a WhatsApp or SMS to the deputy director of bylaw management unit, Zed Mangaliso or to their ward councillor.
In the near future, he would like to create a Facebook page for illegal dumping, which allows residents to share illegal dumping matters.
Details: Ward 117 councillor Tim Truluck 083 619 2419; ttruluck@gmail.com; Deputy Director of Bylaw Management Unit, Zed Mangaliso 082 779 1361.
