Illegal dumping spirals out of control in Clairwood, despite warning

CLAIRWOOD was once a flourishing residential area, but over the years it has become an eyesore and infested with rodents and insects due to illegal dumping.

Despite the eThekwini Municipality putting up notice boards at almost every road corner warning illegal dumpers that they could be fined R5000, it remains a problem causing frustration for the ratepayers and residents.
Ravin Brijlal, the public relations officer of the Clairwood Ratepayers and Residents Association (CRRA), said the area has decayed over the past 20 years and attributed it to the influx of logistics and some illegal businesses that have mushroomed in the area.

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Brijlal, 61, who has been living in Amber Road since he was born, said the municipality needed to issue harsher punishment for those caught dumping as i8t would serve as a deterrent.

“When we were growing up, Clairwood was the best area to live in. It was beautiful, as there were only houses, with clean and neat sidewalks, but now, you have to walk in the middle of the road because of all the dumping.
“I can say most of the dumping comes from the businesses, which have outnumbered the residential homes. Apart from some refuse, you will find piles of tyres, or truck and other vehicle’s parts strewn everywhere. When the municipality does come to collect the refuse, they don’t clear out those items, and only the refuse, as it is not part of their jobs. We have to then call the relevant departments for help, and if we are lucky they will come out, but the dumping continues,” he said.

Brijlal said refuse that is dumped on vacant plots or in the park, and not collected has led to an infestation of rodents and insects such as flies and cockroaches.

“If people dump overnight, then you have the dogs and vagrants tearing open the bags, and taking what they want. Those bags, some which have food, are left standing for days and are an attraction for rats and cockroaches, which then come into our yards and homes.

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“We as the ratepayers feel we are being failed as there needs to be more repercussions for those who dump, especially these illegal businesses. The municipality needs to find them and hold them accountable. Many residents want to leave the area or have left because it is such as eyesore. But, some of us who have no choice but to stay and are forced to live in these unbearable conditions. However, why should we have to pay rates and live like this? Should we start protesting so that our voices are heard,” he said.

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

Mayisela said continuous education and awareness programmes are run by the municipality.

“Further to this, the City continues to remove illegal dumps when they are identified and reported. This practice is not in the best interest of the City and its citizens as resources are committed to correct an illegal practice that could be prevented. We request residents and businesses to adhere to proper waste management practices and to report those who illegally dump,” 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.

Residents can report an illegal dump by calling the Cleansing and Solid Waste helpline on 031-311-8804/36 or by emailing DSW@durban.gov.za.

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