Tshwane to identify recycling spots to alleviate illegal dumping in Pta east

The metro is identifying vacant plots to turn into waste sorting spaces in an effort to alleviate the lack of waste sorting zones around Tshwane.

According to the metro, the lack of these facilities is adding to the issue of illegal dumping in the east of Pretoria and other regions in the metro.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the lack of waste sorting areas is a big contributor to the problem of illegal dumping of waste, particularly by recyclers.

“To this end, a process to identify vacant properties suitable for developing waste sorting facilities is underway.”

Illegal dumping and squatting continue to wreak havoc in the suburbs of Garsfontein, Lynnwood and Moreleta Park in the east.

Despite efforts to curb these violations of the environment in Tshwane, it persists unabated, leaving residents angry.

The illegal dumping and land pollution on Matt Street in Garsfontein has turned into a nightmare for residents and nature lovers.

Residents have raised concerns regarding this issue also being a major health and environmental hazard, as waste is being dumped in a stream.

They also raised concern over the illegal dumping behind Plastic View between De Villebois Mareuil Drive and Mooikloof Ridge Estate.

According to resident Leigh Henry, waste pickers are now dumping rubbish on Matt Street since the clean-up at the Cemetery View squatter camp.

“There is a natural occurring stream that runs down into a couple of properties through Cemetery View and into Woodhill Golf Estate and beyond and it is contaminated.”

Henry said the stream is being polluted.

“Cars are being washed and laundry is being done. It is killing the wildlife and making the water very contaminated, soapy and smelly,” she said.

Henry added that it is very unsightly, with the rubbish nearly spilling on to Garsfontein Road.

“This obviously will kill all the wildlife, and this is actually a protected wetland area.”

She said the piled-up rubbish going into Garsfontein Road is an eyesore.

“If you are going along Garsfontein towards Woodhill, a little past this site are piles of sorted rubbish. This is very unsightly, the area is turned into a dumping site.”

She said it needed to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Mashigo said that a joint operational programme which includes intensifying enforcement efforts is being planned for the third week of October.

“The programme will also be focusing on cleaning affected areas, such as Matt Street. Affected areas will be assessed for possible environmental rehabilitation,” he explained.

He said the city is in the process of reviewing its waste management by-law.

“The new waste by-law aims to make provisions for measures to discourage waste sorting or recycling activities in unauthorised areas.”

Additionally, the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) has established a by-law enforcement unit to ensure enforcement and compliance with the by-law in the city.

Mashigo said the prevention of pollution in water resources from solid waste that finds its way into the streams will be looked at.

“This is done through ensuring that regular litter picking, servicing of street bins and clearing of illegal dumping sites is carried out on a frequent basis.”

He also said the ongoing education and awareness programmes in various communities contribute by sensitising communities on the proper handling of waste to prevent it from going into water courses.

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Source: The Citizen

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