Concerns raised as illegal dumping increases in ward 64

WARD 64 residents are urged to report illegal dumping after concerns were raised about piles of refuse and rubble that had been dumped on Coedmore Avenue in Yellowwood Park. Carel Buitendhe,73, of Woodlands, said he was surprised by the amount of refuse and building rubble that had been dumped on the side of the road, which leads to the ‘Coedmore Bridge’, opposite the nature reserve.

“I had taken my wife for an afternoon drive and was shocked by the deterioration of the area due to illegal dumping. It is not just an eye-sore but it is disgusting that people choose to illegally dump instead of discarding their unwanted goods in the proper manner. How would they feel if that was done outside their homes?
“It is time more severe action is taken against those that are caught illegally dumping. The municipality does not have the resources to go pick up behind everyone that illegally dumps, so it will just get worse. There needs to be accountability. This is God’s planet and we are supposed to look after it,” he said.

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“Gavin Hegter, the ward 64 councillor, said illegal dumping was a major problem throughout eThekwini.
“However, the City is to partly blame as there are no sites for contractors, especially the smaller business to dispose of rubble. However, I always tell people that if they have contractors working at their homes, they need to ensure that their rubbish, especially building rubble, is disposed of in the proper manner.

“However, in terms of the illegal dumping in Coedmore Avenue, we did have the roads and stormwater department closed off the road with concrete bollards, but these were moved during a recent race event. We have asked that they close it again,” he said. Hegter said communities needed to be more active in reporting illegal dumping.

“Sadly, people will always find somewhere to dump, so therefore it is important that there is community involvement. We need residents to take control of their area. It must be remembered that illegal dumping is a crime, and if people see a crime being committed they must be prepared to step up and report it, give a statement and even evident so that the perpetrators can be prosecuted. They will only learn if they get a fine and it hurts their pockets,” he said.

Msawakhe Mayisela, the eThekwini Municipality spokesperson, said illegal dumping is a serious concern.
“The City spends a staggering amount of money to attend to this social-ill, but, this is money which could have been allocated to other much needed services,” he said.

Mayisela said depending on the severity of the type of waste dumped, the Health department is called in to issue a fine. “The City’s fine is R5000, however, it can go up to R100 000 or jail time of up to ten years. The City has waste disposal facilities allocated throughout the City, therefore residents and businesses are encouraged to use them,” he said.

To report illegal dumping, call the Cleansing and Solid Waste helpline on 031-311-8804/36 or by emailing DSW@durban.gov.za.

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