The City is not doing enough to tackle dumping hot spots in Morningstar, according to the head of the neighbourhood watch there.
Neville Moos says Morningstar canal and the corner of Pikkewyn Street have been treated like informal garbage dumps for years despite his attempts to get the City to solve the problem.
“Illegal dumping remains a problem for the community, especially at the canal which borders on Pikkewyn Street. This has been ongoing since even before Covid.
“We tried to get the City involved to install a bin there at the canal because people are not going to stop dumping there. We are aware that the City are cleaning the canal twice a month, but I feel a bin would help combat the dumping there,” he said.
In the past, residents had held awareness campaigns in the area to warn the community about the health and environmental risks of illegal dumping, but those had proven unsuccessful, Mr Moos said.
Last year, Northern News, reported on the municipal park near Alpha Primary school had become a hot spot for illegal dumping, drug use and muggings, according to a community leader (“Call for better security at Morningstar park,” Northern News, March 2022).
Mayoral committee member for urban waste management Grant Twigg said the City was cleaning the area regularly.
“A process has been set in motion to erect ‘no dumping’ signage. However, this is not the solution to dumping. This signage is often ignored by those who dump.
“Residents are urged to not dump illegally and rather use the solid waste services provided to get rid of their waste. In this way, they are also help to keep their communities clean,“ he said.
Mr Twigg said the City held ongoing campaigns against illegal dumping and the public could report it to a 24-hour toll-free number, 0800 110077.
“For every report that leads to a fine and conviction, the City is offering a reward from R1 000 up to R5 000, depending on the offence.”
Those convicted of illegal dumping could be fined up to R5 000, have their vehicle impounded, or face a two-year prison sentence.