Municipal Manager Sthembiso Mthembu says that ‘a deliberate act of defiance or a lack of awareness’ could be the reasons for the constant illegal dumping in and around Estcourt.
From historical places to schools, cul-de-sacs to vacant fields, people who dump waste illegally have no boundaries, it seems.
Recently, the local municipality was successful in apprehending and fining a woman who was dumping dead chickens near a river.
According to the municipal manager, a traffic officer was patrolling and noticed a vehicle parked in the long grass.
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The officer then noticed that a person in blue overalls appeared to be throwing something off the rear of the vehicle.
On closer inspection, it was found that a mass of dead and rotting chickens was in the back of the vehicle and being discarded near the river.
“The offender was given a fine for illegal dumping in accordance with municipal by-laws, and was instructed to pick up all the waste (dead chickens) that was thrown off of the vehicle,” said Mthembu.
Illegal dumping may be reported to the control room by calling 036 342 7871.
“The details needed would be: the exact location of the dumping, if the offender is still currently at the scene, details of the offender, and of the vehicle used,” explained Mthembu.
A fine of R2500 may be given to the person involved in the dumping, and they are often requested to clean up the area.
“Illegal dumping is an act of community members who refuse to utilise the available means of waste collection and disposal. The act is done by community members due to lack of awareness or a deliberate act of not having any regard for the environment,” added Mthembu.
He says that illegal dumping is rampant throughout Estcourt and was unable to identify ‘hot-spots’, saying that the municipality attends to all complaints when received.
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