LENNOXTON – Conditions at the Amanath Centre in Lennoxton, has residents up in arms, as litter lay scattered on the pavement outside the centre.
According to a disgruntled resident, who opted to remain anonymous, littering has been ongoing for some time. He claimed he had reported the mess to the municipality, but no action was taken.
“It is unhygienic and filthy. It is disgusting how people have no respect for the centre anymore. How are we supposed to visit the stores if the place stinks? ” he asked.
Read: Litter mars Farmers Hall area
He also said homeless people who slept at the centre burned litter in front of the shops to keep warm at night, which could be potentially dangerous.
“We need someone to take charge and help get the centre back on track. We cannot run businesses and do our afternoon shopping when our centre look like this.”
Ward 3 Councillor, Matthew Shunmugam said he had done his best to address the problem of littering in Newcastle. However, he would report the complaint to the relevant departments.
“The community also needs to work together to combat the litter issue in town, and should be more vigilant and report such transgressions to the municipality.”
Also read: Residents disgruntled over Lennoxton litter
Director of Waste Management, Doctor Thava Kelly recently said littering was a social behaviourial problem and more should be done at schools and colleges to educate the youth.
“Residents should take a role in cleaning up and maintaining their respective areas, by reporting litter to the municipality. The municipality alone cannot do everything as the budget approved is not even sufficient for refuse collection, cleanliness of the CBD and disposal…people need to stop littering and dumping.”
Residents can report illegal dumping and littering to the Community Services department on 034 328 7727/24/26.
Municipal Enforcement will charge and fine people guilty of dumping and littering.
