Illegal dumping in Olivedale

The open space in Olivedale, adjacent to Jacaranda Avenue and the N1, was a complete mess as trolley pushers and homeless people used it to carry out their recycling activities.

Johannesburg Metro police, Pikitup, Ward 101 councillor Dalu Cele and private developer, Richard Andriessen teamed up on 12 September to clean the area, which is part of a golf course project.

People had erected their shelters using concrete pipes that were apparently left behind by the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) while upgrading the road. Trolley pushers used the space as it is not far from the recycling factory.

Andriessen from The Golf Place said the City’s Department of Infrastructure and Department of Transport were leasing the land to them. “Our purpose is to clean up this area so that it won’t be conducive for displaced people,” he said. He added that the problem had persisted for more than six years as recyclers had easy access to the area. Andriessen brought some of his workers who assisted with the clearing of rubble and rubbish heaps dumped by vagrants who were often seen in the open space.

“We will also cut the invasive trees but 90 per cent of the trees will remain, especially indigenous trees. We want to develop this area into a golf course,” he said. Beds and blankets hidden in the pipes, as well as some kitchen utensils, were found during the clean-up operation. The area is also full of dumped rubble.

Cele acknowledged the support and partnership of the City, Balwin Developers and The Golf Place to keep the area clean. He indicated that once the area was cleared he would contribute towards developments in Olivedale. “This will reduce further potential illegal activities, which also attract crime in the neighbourhood,” he said.

Details: Ward 101 councillor dalu@ward-101.co.za

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