There is persistent dumping that is happening almost on daily basis between Shakespeare Avenue and Xavier Streets bridges along the M1 North in Ormonde.
Thulani Bhengu, a resident of the area, said this is a disaster waiting to happen because this illegal dumpsite is in the joint servitudes of Sasol (oil pipeline), Johannesburg Road Agency (adjacent to M1 North), Johannesburg City Power (pylons) and City of Joburg (environment and city parks).
“None of these agencies are doing anything about it, despite efforts to alert them to the problem. This has been happening for years,” he said.
Bhengu has taken action himself to clean the area and plant vegetation.
According to him, the people who dump use two entrances and exits.
“This is on the M1 North under the Shakespeare Avenue bridge and Othello Drive next to Kimberley Road in Ormonde.”
The Southern Courier contacted most of the entities who might help with this problem. Johannesburg Road Agency said, “The dumping is on vacant or open land which is outside the ambit of the JRA.”
Joburg City Parks said, “This would be for JRA and Pikitup.”
Pikitup said, “We are still waiting for the depot to provide input.”
Ward 54 Clr Stuart Marais, JMPD and City Power didn’t respond.
Sasol’s Nomia Machebe, manager of media and communications, said Sasol regularly conducts safety campaigns for fence line communities and businesses to preserve the integrity of the infrastructure and ensure the safety of lives.
“Public safety, together with the protection of the environment, are top priorities which require a multi-stakeholder effort including municipalities and law enforcement authorities,” said Machebe.
“Concerning the dumping site in question, we can confirm that Sasol’s gas pipeline controllers are in the process of inspecting the area. In line with gas pipeline safety guidelines, Sasol ensures that its gas pipeline is normally placed between 1.2m to 2m below the surface to ensure that rubble does not negatively affect the pipes and does not pose any immediate risk.
“We urge individuals, communities and businesses to refrain from littering. Sasol remains committed to the safety and health of its employees, community and the environment,” noted Machebe.
