Dumping irates Wilgeheuwel residents

To Wilgeheuwel residents, the City of Johannesburg seems to have forgotten that they have Van Staden Road as one of the areas that need service delivery.

Resident Adriaan Strydom said he is concerned that the neglect from the city is harbouring negative elements into their suburb. “Right now we have a huge problem of illegal dumping along Van Staden Road. I believe if the road was well maintained and taken care of, people would not get a chance to illegally dump their refuse here.” He added that the dumping is an eyesore and makes the area look bad.

According to Strydom, most of the dumping seems to be taking place in the evening. “There are no street lights so people take advantage of the fact that they cannot be clearly identified because it is dark.”

He is also worried that the illegal dumping poses a health hazard for residents staying close to this road. “All these dumped things will invite rats and cockroaches which can create problems for us residents.”

His other concern is the tall uncut grass and untrimmed trees that might invite criminals into the area. He mentioned that in the past, domestic workers continuously became crime victims where their perpetrators could easily hide in the bushes along this road.

Potholes also seem to be a permanent feature on this road. “It’s like this road is completely forgotten or unknown because nothing ever gets done.”

Ward 97 councillor Jaco Engelbrecht is still to comment on the matter.