EMPANGENI community members are raising concerns about the increase of illegal dumping which is tainting the town’s reputation for cleanliness.
Ward 9 resident Seluleko Mchunu said he was appalled at the state of the town.
‘This has gone too far. There has been a lot of dumping at the south entrance of the beautifully constructed Richem Secondary School. The space meant for parking, has seen residents and businesses handling renovations and landscaping dispose their rubble there,’ he said.
But according to Ward 9 Councillor Irwin Palmer, the municipality is aware of the long standing problem.
‘We erected concrete barriers in Carpenter Street which has sadly not deterred people because now they just go around to get to the south entrance of the school.’ Cllr Palmer said.
‘It has been an impossible task. Ultimately, the best solution would be to install CCTV cameras in the areas most prone to illegal dumping so we can apprehend the culprits as we don’t know when the dumping takes place.
‘Furthermore, people are simply just to lazy to use dustbins or the dump site and they need to realise the health hazards their behaviour poses.’
City of uMhlathuze waste management bylaws relating to the prohibition of dumping and abandoning articles clearly states that no person may dump waste except where such deposits are made in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws.
Person responsible for flouting the bylaws will be liable to pay the council the tariff charged for removal and disposal.
A person causing harm or damage to human health or the environment, or does not comply with the prescribed obligations, will be issued with an enforcement notice in terms of the bylaws.
