Residents of Princess informal settlement fear that one of these days someone will be knocked down by a car on Albertina Sisulu Road.
This fear has been caused by the illegal dumping taking place on the sidewalks, which has made it impossible for pedestrians to use them, and resulted in them having to walk in the street.
Illegal dumping has a devastating impact on society; environmentally, economically and psychologically. It encourages the breeding of vermin such as rodents, mosquitoes, flies and maggots, which can lead to the spread of disease.
It also reduces the quality of our environment and has the potential to cause soil, surface water and ground water pollution.
But, besides not being able to walk on the sidewalk, they also complained about the smoke, saying, “Our clothes smell of smoke, because of the nearby burnt rubbish and children also sometimes play in the rubbish as it in abundance in the open fields.”
“We want the rubbish to be removed because we now have to deal with pests like flies, cockroaches and rats in our homes. Illegal dumping is a risk to the health and well-being of the community,” said one of the residents, Susan Mahlangu.
The Member of the Mayor Committee (MMC) for Public Safety, councillor Michael Sun, urged residents to take clear photos when they see an act of illegal dumping taking place. These should show the culprit, the vehicle and its registration number, and the waste dumped.
These photos, with the date, time and location of the incident, can be sent via WhatsApp or SMS to 082 779 1331.
For the removal of illegal dumping, call Joburg Connect on 0860 562 874 or 0860 JOBURG to log a call.
Pikitup only attends to illegal dumping on pavements, streets and council-owned land; illegal dumping in parks is the responsibility of City Parks.
To report illegal dumping to Pikitup, call 011 688 1500 or email illegaldumping@pikitup.co.za.
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