The Waterval garden refuse site on Albert Street in Newlands is not just a dumping site but a haven for vagrants.
See previous story from January.
A site inspection was called by Environmental Health Practitioner for Ward 86 Cleopatra Mputle.
She commented, “[The aim for this visit is to address the issues] and to assist legally toward the rehabilitation of this public open space/vacant stand.”
The site visit on 7 August started at the Esperanza Primary School and included city officials such as JMPD, Department of Environmental Health and Safety, Ward 86 councillor Steve Kotzé and Newlands residents.
The land, according to Kotzé, was earmarked 13 years ago, to become, “ a site [which would be] developed for affordable residential dwellings, retail stores and commercial enterprises.”
This was a project that was accepted – providing the area was fenced off and patrolled.
Over the years however, the land has become a dumping ground and is occupied by vagrants.
Mputle commented, “Currently, there has been a negative environmental impact of man action and thus affecting availability of resources, natural environment and human health.”
A plan was then put forward to harvest methane gas to generate electricity.
This, according to Kotzé, was abandoned due to the high cost of expenditure.
The fencing and security patrol is yet to be implemented around the land. Over the past 13 years, no feasible progress has been made.
During the site visit, over 60 vagrants were found in shacks.
Some of the shacks harboured burned cable, broken TVs and household items – many of which were assumed to have been stolen.
Also, large heaps of illegal dumping were undoubtedly visible.
Environmental Health and Safety official Zanzozuko Mbane commented, “This is seriously concerning and it is a health hazard to residents and those using this area as a home. These shacks are often found swarming with flees.” Many of the vagrants were spotted mining through the years of refuse for scrap metal to sell.
An old tap on the property was sawed off and has since continually pumped gallons of municipal water.
Kotzé added, “Residents of Newlands have run out of patience and insist on an acceptable and speedy resolution to the long overdue issues – related to this property and its owner – that have plagued this local community.”
Owners of the properties were also on site to view and further escalate the issues.
They had their plans for the land to host a new Albertsville Shopping Centre.
