Frog sanctuary now a dumping site
Residents in the vicinity of DieMeer Street are concerned about the escalating dumping of garden and building refuse in the area commonly referred to as the frog sanctuary. “We have lodged several complaints with the municipality in this regard, but to no avail. If this situation is not contained it will soon run out of …
Residents in the vicinity of DieMeer Street are concerned about the escalating dumping of garden and building refuse in the area commonly referred to as the frog sanctuary.
“We have lodged several complaints with the municipality in this regard, but to no avail. If this situation is not contained it will soon run out of control as people are encouraged to add to the piles of refuse. The fact that a warning sign to discourage dumping is displayed there, does not have any impact because the public knows that the municipality will not take action,” a resident said.
Last Monday, a concerned resident provided Polokwane Observer with a photo showing an identifiable person dumping refuse as well as the vehicle’s registration number. The matter was referred to the municipality for action and the outcome is awaited.
Section 7.(1) of the municipality’s Standard Street and Miscellaneous By-Laws prohibits the dumping of any materials in or on a street or public place and makes provision for a fine of R1 000.
Communications and Marketing Manager of Polokwane Municipality, Matshidiso Mothapo, confirmed on Tuesday that the matter was receiving attention and urged members of the public to report instances of illegal dumping to the municipality. “We will be able to make impact on the situation if we have the support of the public by not only refraining from illegal dumping but also reporting transgressions. The municipality has provided a number of dumping sites and transfer stations all over the city,” Mothapo said.
Mothapo emphasised that it was important to report instances of illegal dumping to the municipality before it escalates to such an extent that it becomes a real problem.
“The illegal dumpers are mostly people from other areas and we appeal to the public to be good citizens and assist us to address this problem and to instil a culture of pride in our city,” Mothapo said and added that the number to report illegal dumping is 015 290 2366/7.
Story: BARRY VILJOEN
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