Illegal burning of rubbish is an extremely serious offence

POLOKWANE – The upcoming dry winter season increases the danger of runaway fires occurring, yet in spite of this, refuse including garden refuse, is still being illegally burnt.

Several residents complained about this.

One resident, who did not wish to be identified, lives at a retirement home in Suid Street on the outskirts of the city.

The resident said they struggled to breath when veldfires occurred near them during the winter months.

Some motorists said they had a hard time with visibility when there were veldfires as the smoke made it difficult to see.

Patricia Lehodi said she always took a taxi to work and had to wait for the taxi near an open field. She said when the veld caught fire, she was unable to catch her usual taxi.

Taxi drivers also complained that they had been victims of road rage when they were forced to stop illegally as the smoke from veldfires forced them to stop at a place other than their set bays. Municipal spokesperson, Tidimalo Chuene, said the municipal by-laws prohibited people from burning any refuse in the municipal area.

She said residents should make use of the dumping sites provided in the city.

“Residents found guilty of illegal burning can be fined by the municipality for up to R1 000. Illegal burning puts residents and properties at risk as fires can burn unchecked and damage surrounding buildings, grounds and,” Chuene said, adding that illegal burning could be reported to the municipality at (015) 290 2000.

According to the Polokwane Fire Protection Association, the residents of smallholdings and farms also had some responsibility in the fight against veldfires.

These included:

1. Land owners must maintain fields, cut grass regularly and create a firebreak that has been pre-arranged with neighbours in the area as well as the municipality.

2. Firebreaks must be controlled and monitored with the fire department on standby in case of an emergency.