The terrible odours coming from an illegal dumping area in Laudium Ext 3, is causing untold revolt for nearby residents who say that unless the problem is addressed, the site will turn into a disease plagued health catastrophe.
Bengal Street resident, Rajen Govender said, “the ongoing dumping of waste, including paper, rotten fruit and vegetables, cans, plastic bottles, broken glass and other disposable waste, is shockingly done, mostly by irresponsible local residents and businesses.”
When the Laudium Sun visited the dumping area on Bengal Street, near Ahimsa Crescent, close to the hill leading to Atteridgeville, there was indeed absolute filth strewn about including, plastic bottles of the type usually collected for recycling purposes. The stench was also nauseating. Rajen continued to our reporters, “Laudium is one of the filthiest dumping grounds in the greater Pretoria community. As a resident, I am ashamed to live in Ext 3. Very often, I have seen luxury cars stopping and throwing black bin bags onto this vacant ground, and on other vacant erfs. What is the use of cleaning your yard and throwing the same dirt elsewhere? In my eyes, such people are completely negligent and a threat to the health and well-being of the community," Rajen exclaimed.
Rajen continued, “I have sent various complaints to the council, but nothing has been done. My mother lives close by to the dumping site and this is why I am so concerned. Why don’t these selfish people dump on designated dumping sites?” Thipe Mancia of the City of Tshwane told the Laudium Sun, that he recently issued a fine of R5000 to a resident, who illegally dumped rubble in the 2nd Avenue area, next to the sinkhole.
The illegal dumper was also requested to clear up the rubble. Thipe said that the trend is when residents miss the bin truck, they often choose to illegally dump their rubbish, rather than take it to an actual registered municipal dump site.
“Residents dump in pathways, open spaces, parks and even on other people's verges. Not only is this bad for the environment, it is also unfair to those who try to keep their areas clean. However, the City of Tshwane is taking illegal dumping seriously,” he said. “Previously, upon admission of guilt, illegal dumpers were granted fines of R3000 which has now been increased from between R1000 to R5000.” Thipe added, saying that he hands out fines practically every day.
“I appeal to all residents to be mindful of where they dump their waste, or face the wrath of the law. Illegal dumpers will be given the choice to either go to court over the matter or pay the fine. Even businesses and trucking companies, who illegally dump, will be fined and their licenses could also be revoked," he concluded.
Bengal Street resident, Rajen Govender, is disgusted with the illegal dumping.
Rubbish, rubbish everywhere...especially on Bengal Street, Ext 3, near Ahimsa Crescent.