A Bryanston resident has been left angered with the continuous dumping of garden refuse on Old Kilcullen Road in Bryanston, with no response from the City.
Adele Horn said she started working in the area in March last year and walks past the dump site every day and the dumping was already ongoing by then.
“Based on the pile-up of refuse, this has been going on for some time.”
She said she is unsure who the culprit is but she suspects it might be one of the businesses.
“I had initially thought it was the property whose back wall faced the road, but then I noticed, that each time the gardener was in attendance, new rubbish would be added to the pile.”
She said the pile of refuse is so big that when municipal workers come around to clean up the sidewalks they skip the section completely. “Naturally, now other people are adding their own rubbish in the form of plastic and bottles.
“The municipality was there about a week ago when they cut back on the pile but left the cuttings.”
She said that often rats can be seen scooting from the piles.
“The grass is also overflowing into the street since it’s not being cut back.
“It shows a lack of respect for not only the environment but everyone else that has to be subjected to it. It’s lazy, selfish and lacks morality.
“I had tried to contact multiple individuals, and mostly the supplied emails do not work, or are simply ignored.”
Ward 102 councillor David Potter said the City is responsible for the area as it is Council land. “However, as part of the Executive Mayor’s clean-up campaign A Re Sebeseng, private landowners have been encouraged to clean up their pavements, nearby parks and this is starting to yield positive results.
“I cannot confirm if a private entity has adopted the cleaning of this area.”
Potter said he is not aware of the garden refuse. “I am, however, well aware of the illegal building and sand dumping taking place further along Old Kilcullen Road in Bryanston as a result of the ‘beautification’ by a private property owner along the road.”
He said the City is busy dealing with this matter and a site meeting is planned. “The two issues are likely separate issues. Many residents dump with ill intent either themselves by placing their refuse bags next to public bins or by using non-compliant refuse/ rubble removal companies.”
Potter said parks and sidewalks are cut on a rotational schedule by the City.
“Residents who encounter such dumping sites should report these to Pikitup by calling 011 375 5555 and getting a reference number. Failing Pikitup giving action to the matter, the relevant ward councillor should be engaged with to escalate the matter to the City administration.”
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