With the many construction sites on Rivonia Road and Grayston Drive, a Sandton resident who did not want to be named, has been increasingly disconcerted by the growing amount of informal rubbish collectors jumping on the back of moving construction trucks transporting debris.
They collect scrap metal from the truck for recycling, but this has become a danger to pedestrians and motorists as they throw large pieces of metal onto the street before collecting them.
The resident said, “Its a really scary situation because they could definitely hit anyone passing by and hurt them. Its really causing a lot of chaos in the Sandton CBD because they do not think of the people walking or driving past.”
A number of construction companies have been working with Metro police to remedy the situation. The Metro police’s, Edna Mamonyane said they worked very closely on various issues with construction companies such as closing off roads for their trucks, and informing commuters of demolitions taking place.
She said, “We have, after the collapse of the Power Park building in Soweto, become aware of the lengths the rubbish collectors and metal thieves will go in order to collect the debris. And we will keep a look out for the culprits committing these crimes.”
Spokesperson for the Metro police, Wayne Minnaar added, “My advice regarding this issue is that the truck drivers transporting these loads should be more vigilant. Its their responsibility to ensure the safety of their truck and the load. They should look out for anything that might obstruct or affect anyone on our roads.”
