The wide-scale illegal dumping across the city and the negative impact it has on the environment and the resources of the City and Pikitup is profound.
According to Muzi Mkhwanazi of Pikitup, it costs about R54 million per year to clear illegal dumping and a further R48 million for litter picking.
“Approximately 83 000 tons of litter is collected and 256 000 tons of illegal dumping is cleared per year, resulting in huge financial costs.”
Mkhwanazi said the money could be used to fund other projects that could be of huge benefit to the city. “Illegal dumping is on the increase due to avoidance of landfill disposal cost and lack of law enforcement.
“Illegal waste takes up space that can be used for constructive purposes like parks, entertainment areas, sport facilities and other.
“Sometimes illegal waste has hazardous substances and chemicals that could cause damage to the soil, the air and the surrounding groundwater.”
He said this contaminated water can be carried to water sources that are used for drinking and improper disposal of materials can pollute natural habitats and cause death.
“Illegally dumped waste can be consumed by animals, creating diseases and in some cases death. In some areas, dumping starts small but it then creates opportunities for other people to also dump.”
Illegal dumping can create health hazards such as respiratory problems. “It attracts rodents which serve as carries for a number of diseases and rodents attract snakes which are a potential danger to human life.
“Furthermore, illegal dumping is an eyesore that affects the value of homes around the community. Illegal dumping costs money. It costs money to clean up and clear illegal dumping spots.”
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