Although the grass and trees in George Lea Park are well maintained, piles of rubble can clearly be seen on the grass when driving past the park on William Nicol Drive.
City Parks spokesperson, Jenny Moodley, said residents who are carrying out house renovations need to be more responsible and ensure that their contractors do not transgress the City’s bylaws.
The building rubble is piled up very high on the grass, which ironically sits in close proximity to a sign clearly stating that dumping is not permitted.
Sciences and Archaeology graduate, Andrea le Roux said the dumping of building material in the park could have several negative side effects on the environment. The rubble could affect the local flora and hazardous waste and chemicals leech into the sub-soil and harm local plant life.
Le Roux also said that other dumped debris attracts rodents and cockroaches which make the park less appealing and attractive to families and park-goers. He also pointed out that local animals such as birds and smaller mammals may also migrate away from the area or die from exposure to, or contact with, the harmful rubble.
Builders, residents and contractors are urged not to dump waste or rubble in George Lea Park as it is detrimental to the prosperity of the park and its inhabitants.
