Tackling illegal dumping and vegetation control

We face a serious challenge with regards to grass cutting and vegetation control in Joburg, according to Mayor Herman Mashaba.

“However, we are committed to working towards restoring the aesthetic beauty of our City. A number of different departments and entities were historically tasked with the responsibility of grass cutting and vegetation control. This arrangement is cumbersome and we are in the process of ensuring that this responsibility is centralised to work under Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ). We have no doubt that this will dramatically improve the existing state of affairs,” he went on to say.

“Recently we announced that Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) had issued a purchase order of R4 million to JCPZ for the purpose of grass cutting. This has made a difference in a number of communities,” he said.

During a recent oversight visit to Riverlea, two challenges were brought to Mashaba’s attention:

1. Privately-owned land and properties are not properly maintained in terms of grass-cutting and general upkeep; and

2. Illegal dumping is rife.

“It must be emphasised that it is not only the community of Riverlea which faces these challenges, but Johannesburg as a whole. It costs the City approximately R170 million per annum to clean up street litter and illegal dumping sites. This is money that could have been utilised to enhance service delivery within the City.

“I implore all property owners in the City to adhere to their responsibility to maintain their properties,” said Mashaba.

In terms of City by-laws and policies that regulate public health and the cleaning and clearing of vacant properties, those who fail to honour their responsibilities will be served with a notice by the City instructing them to take the necessary steps in terms of general upkeep and grass-cutting.

If property owners fail to comply with the notice received, the City will make use of its own resources to do the required work on behalf of the property owners and have their municipal accounts debited accordingly.

As a positive step to eradicate illegal dumping in the City, Johannesburg Metro Police Department’s By-law Management Unit has initiated a Community Active Programme, where residents can actively be involved in eradicating illegal dumping.

Residents are urged to report illegal dumping in the City by submitting the date, time and location of the incident; type of material dumped; and if possible, a photograph showing the registration plates of the vehicle used for the illegal dumping purposes, to any of the following platforms:

· Joburg Metro Police City By-law Enforcement: 082 467 9434

· Joburg Connect: 011 375 5555 (office hours) or 011 375 5911 (office hours)

· Pikitup: info@pikitup.co.za

· Twitter: @CleanerJoburg

Any individual or property owner found guilty of illegal dumping will be fined R1 500 by the City.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.

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