Pick a spot to take a dump
“I left the city of coal in 2009 but came to visit my parents a while ago. With no surprise the reason for leaving just popped up in my mind again when I saw what this town has become,”
The spring fever for eMalahleni residents is everything but blossoms and green fields as illegal dumping makes the beauty fade away.
The new chosen location for illegal dumping in the Reyno Ridge area.
After years of complaints, no dumping signs and fines, the residents of the town is still left with a problem of illegal dumping.
“I left the city of coal in 2009 but came to visit my parents a while ago. With no surprise the reason for leaving just popped up in my mind again when I saw what this town has become,” said an old resident, Ms Esmé van Rensburg.
Some residents from all over eMalahleni choose their own dumping sites in residential areas.
As residents gave up complaining about the illegal dumping the problem just got worse as they do not get any help from the municipality.
“Illegal dumping started when I was still in school as I remember how my mother always used to chase vehicles that were busy dumping their rubbish in a veldt opposite their house,” van Rensburg added.
As the Environmental Affairs of pollution and waste management by-law states, no person may except with the permission of the occupier, owner or of the person of authority having control thereof, dump, accumulate, place, deposit or leave any waste whatsoever. Whether for gain or otherwise, on or in a public place.
”The municipality even implemented fines to the community members if they were to be caught dumping on a non dumping premise. We even have a big sign at the nearby veld, warning illegal dumpers of the fines and consequences. But nothing works. I have tried to chase after them, I have tried to get registration plate numbers. What more should we do, ” said her mother, Ms Esta van Rensburg with a dispirited tone of voice.
In another case of illegal dumping Mr Fanie Erasmus that resides in Tasbet Park Ext 3 alleged that he is complaining since 2013 but nothing has been done yet.
Illegal dumping taking place in Tasbet Park and leaving residents with a hideous view.
Erasmus said that he was on his way home when he noticed a bakkie with a trailer doing some illegal dumping down the street where he lives in.
”I went and approached the man busy dumping and asked him to stop dumping. The man looked at me and started laughing in my face and went on with what he was doing,” Erasmus said angry
”This illegal dumping is caused by our community members and as a result it brings diseases to our citizens and also affects people’s health. Everytime we complain we get the same awnser from the municipality…This issue will be approaced in the following weeks.” said another resident, Ms Pretty Masilela.
The spokesperson, Mr Lebo Mofokeng along with the municipal manager, Mr Theo van Vuuren did not respond to the WITBANK NEWS before going to print.
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