Coast KZN

As illegal dumping continues across the Berea area, Heather Roos, chairperson of Bulwer Safety and Urban Regeneration Forum, has called for educational campaigns and stricter fines to address the issue. For Roos, addressing the issue is an important step in preserving the property values in the area.

“There is illegal dumping in most of our public parks, along our roads and lanes. It affects all of us residents, including myself. It also brings a bad name to an area, therefore lowering the value of properties where the area is continually used as a dumping ground,” said Roos.

She also raised health concerns, saying litter affects residents and pedestrians alike.

Litter piles up on Godfrey Avenue.

“[Illegal dumping] also brings in a huge health risk for everyone living in these areas, or anyone having to walk past these areas on a regular basis. We see lots of rats, flies, cockroaches and mosquitoes in the areas where there is dumping,” said Roos.

For Roos, the first step in solving the issue is education on the dangers of illegal dumping as well as the information on where to dump refuse responsibly.

“More education needs to be done – it needs to start from our Grade R learners up to high school learners. We should run fun campaigns like there used to be in schools to highlight anti-littering/dumping. This information should also be printed on packets from supermarkets, and there should be stricter fines for those caught dumping,” she said.

The eThekwini Municipality’s head of communications Lindiwe Khuzwayo said the City runs a number of educational campaigns across the city.

Litter piles up at the edge of a park on Shelley Road.

“We currently do not have any agreements with supermarkets, however, we have made use of all our communication platforms to share messages about illegal dumping. We currently have a city-wide clean-up campaign targeting parts of Durban where there is illegal dumping. Information on dump sites is regularly shared on our social media platforms,” she said.

Report dumping

Roos also highlighted the importance of reporting illegal dumping to the authorities.
“There should be more encouragement given to residents to report anyone they witness dumping – they need to note the registration number if dumping is done out of a vehicle, or the address of a resident if they are dumping,” said Roos.

Khuzwayo echoed this view, saying residents can make use of the City’s website.
“The City can fine those found dumping illegally for up to R5 000. However, the City cannot work alone – we ask that residents report those found dumping illegally,” said Khuzwayo.
“The issue with illegal dumping is not the number of people employed to [clean up]. It’s this mindset that many people have. Illegal dumping will remain an issue until we stop disregarding by-laws. Residents should play their part by reporting illegal dumping as it happens,” concluded Khuzwayo.

Visit the website via: www.durban.gov.za/pages/residents/cleansing-solid-waste-services