Illegal Dumping Crisis Plagues Lotus Gardens Community in Pretoria West

Residents of Lotus Gardens in Pretoria West are facing a severe environmental hazard caused by illegal dumping at a walkway bridge over the Magalies Toll Road. Decomposing animal carcasses, waste, and foul odors have turned the area into an unbearable site for the local community, and despite repeated complaints, the problem continues.

The illegal dumping crisis began during a prolonged municipal strike two years ago, when the usual refuse collection schedule was disrupted. With waste removal services halted, residents resorted to dumping their trash at the walkway bridge, which falls under the jurisdiction of the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (Sanral).

The situation escalated during the strike, which saw waste removal trucks torched, and workers facing physical abuse from suspected instigators of the strike. Since then, the dumping has persisted, creating a long-standing issue for the residents of Lotus Gardens.

For long-time resident Alie Suliman, the illegal dumping marks a dramatic shift in the neighborhood. Suliman, who has lived in the area for 34 years, said, “In all my years here, I have never seen illegal dumping like this. The problem started during the Tshwane strike and has only worsened.”

The issue, according to Suliman, is not just the accumulation of trash but also the presence of decomposing animal carcasses, particularly dead dogs and cats, which only add to the unbearable stench and unsightly conditions. Despite numerous complaints, including to Sanral officials, residents have seen no significant action to resolve the issue.

Suliman, along with his neighbors, took the matter into their own hands, approaching Sanral officials with a proposal to address the issue. However, Sanral’s response has been minimal, with media liaison officer Lwando Mahlasela noting that dumping falls under municipal by-laws, directing inquiries to the Tshwane Metro instead.

Local ward councillor Samuel Mashola has acknowledged the ongoing issue and promised collaboration with the MMC for Agriculture and Environmental Management, Obakeng Ramabodu, to send workers for cleanup efforts. However, residents fear this will only offer temporary relief without a long-term solution.

Suliman and others in the community believe that a more effective, lasting solution would involve the installation of turnstile gates at the site. These would restrict access to the bridge, thereby preventing illegal dumping and protecting the environment. Without such measures, the residents fear that the problem will continue to plague their community.

As Lotus Gardens’ residents continue to deal with the fallout of the ongoing illegal dumping crisis, the situation serves as a reminder of the long-term consequences of municipal strikes and inadequate waste management systems. The community is calling for more substantial action to address the problem and ensure their safety and well-being.

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