#SundayRECAP: How do we put an end to illegal dumping?
Illegal dumping contributes to health issues says CoJ.
Land pollution is occupying many spaces in our communities and nothing much as been done about this problem.
The City of Joburg released a small booklet on Vector Control Services. In this booklet, there is a section that speaks about illegal dumping. It also states that there is a direct link between illegal dumping and health.
Focusing on one area specifically, Westbury. In the community, Westbury is known for its soccer.
Many travel out into their areas to go watch the soccer tournaments such as the Steven Pienaar tournaments as well as tournaments held by the local football association, Jowest.
A lot happens on the Westbury soccer grounds, unfortunately, dumping of waste is also one of those happenings now.
Residents in Westbury do not have a dumping site where they can take their waste to. Pikitup comes once a week but sometimes that doesn’t help some residents.
As a result of no nearby dumping site the soccer grounds and its surroundings, are becoming small dumping sites for some residents. Residents are found walking up with their bins and offloading their waste there.
Children play in the area and rodents are also joining in on the fun. The area is beginning to smell really bad causing flies and rats to breed in the area, this can contribute to many illnesses as well.
According to the COJ’s booklet, rodents can spread Salmonella that causes food poising through their droppings. The Bubonic Plague and Myrine Typus Fever are transmitted from infected rats to humans by fleas. Leptospirosis is spread through infected rat urine to food and water sources. Rats also bite and it can be infectious.
Residents who are dumping don’t see it as a problem or are unaware of the problems they are creating.
Legal dumping sites may also not be the solution because, in areas such as Riverlea where there is a dumping site, some residents still choose to just damp anywhere.
The real question to ask oneself is: how will our communities change if we are the ones who are contributing to our own downfall?
If perpetrators are found dumping illegally they will be fined by COJ. To report illegal dumping call 011 226 8300 during office hours and after hours, call 011 375 5911/18.
