A Sandton resident recently caught a truck dumping a few wheelbarrow loads red-handed on the side of the road right outside a garden refuse site.
The source, who wishes to not be named, said he often sees illegal dumping from his office block just up the road. He said the truck driver dumped the loads along Hobart Road just off Ballyclare Drive at around 2pm on 23 April.
“I did not stop the guys, but as soon as they saw I was taking photos they started talking to me and asked me not to send in the photos.
“I have tried to phone Metro police in the past but they rarely do anything.”
He said the biggest problem is the lack of policing. “Every now and then the cops do come, but then the guys just go and dump down the road by the river.
“Another issue is the vendors who pick up the dumped goods and then sell it along the road which creates a hazard for pedestrians on the sidewalks.”
Ward 103 councillor, Vincent Earp said dumping continues unabated in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg. “This is perpetrated by some unscrupulous contractors and subcontractors who try to save money by not taking the rubble to official dump sites.”
Earp said the community must stand together to rid stop scourge that is occurring in all our public open spaces and road reserves.
“When residents see a perpetrator they need to report it immediately and take photos of the vehicle for the authorities. The authorities need evidence to fine and impound vehicles.”
Residents and commuters who witness illegal dumping should post their photos and a short description of the site. “If residents call JMPD, we may catch these dumpers in the act and force them to reload and remove the rubble,” ended Earp.
To report illegal dumping
- Send a photo of the offending vehicle and a short description of where the site is, on WhatsApp or SMS to the Johannesburg Metro Police Department illegal dumping on 082 779 1361 for the attention of Metro police director Zed Mangaliso.
- Alternatively, send an email to zezazim@joburg.org.za
- Or call the Johannesburg Metro Police Department call centre number on 011 758 9650.
Attempts to contact the Metro police director were made, and we await comment.
The Sandton Chronicle has an in-depth feature on dumping and where you can legally dump. For more information visit: www.sandtonchronicle.co.za/illegal-dumping-in-sandton/
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