Illegal dumper fined in Athlone Park
Under the cloak of darkness, the man dumped and burned waste near Nyathi Road.
ILLEGAL dumping in Athlone Park has left a man R5 000 poorer after he was caught red-handed and fined on September 13.
Merlene Matthew, who is the chairperson of the Amanzimtoti Community Police Forum (CPF), said members of the Athlone Park Community Police Sub-Forum were doing their rounds in the area when they noticed some activity near Nyati Road.
Also read: Illegal dumping raises concerns in Amanzimtoti
“When they approached, they found a resident illegally dumping and burning waste in a public area. There is a place nearby where the community can dump their garden refuse, but we find that all the other household waste is discarded by some residents near Nyati Road,” said Matthew.
Members of the CPF placed the offending resident under guard while waiting for Metro Police who had been called. The offending resident was issued with a R5 000 fine.
“There are so many residents and organisations who are doing good by keeping our public spaces clean. These include all the CPFs in our area, Tidy Towns, Project Clean Surf and others. If we want to keep our public spaces clean and beautiful, then every one of us needs to play their part instead of blaming the municipality for the mess that some of us are doing,” she said.
In a statement, eThekwini Municipality said the City’s efforts to maintain a clean environment can only be achieved if residents play their part.
“Illegal dumping has a devasting impact on the environment. Trash not only clogs up stormwater drains but can be washed into rivers and oceans, which endangers marine life. The public is encouraged to join in the City’s fight against illegal dumping,” it said.
A ‘no dumping’ sign can be obtained by calling the nearest Durban Solid Waste depot. An area-cleansing officer will inspect the site to confirm that the signs are required and, if applicable, the appropriate number and positions of signs. Illegal dumping can be reported to the Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit on 031 311 8804.
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