GALLERY: Dumpers causing an environmental disaster
With mountains of building rubble, industrial waste, and even animal carcasses being illegally dumped across the entire length of the Klip River wetland along Swartkoppies Road.
A RESIDENT of Glenvista is appalled at the devastation that is occurring in Johannesburg South, with mountains of building rubble, industrial waste, and even animal carcasses being illegally dumped across the entire length of the Klip River wetland along Swartkoppies Road.
“Without being overly dramatic, this can only be described as an environmental disaster! Many residents who live in the areas are not aware of the true nature and scale of the problem.
“The Klip River wetland, which is home to various forms of birdlife and other animals, is fast disappearing under literally thousands of tons of rubble, and unless this problem is addressed as a matter of urgency we’ll soon pass the point of no return.
“Local authorities have been made aware of the problem but have conceded (disturbingly) the problem is now so big that it is frankly beyond their technical capacity.
“This will take a large and dedicated fleet of earthmoving machines many months to remove this mess, so best we start now.”
He went on to add, “One particular site, diagonally opposite the Mall of the South, covers an area equivalent to 26 soccer fields, and the more concerning thing is that there are no less than 11 such sites along the length of the wetland.
“As the problem becomes more and more visible, the behaviour becomes normalised. Numerous makeshift roads criss-cross the wetland providing easy access with the result that it is now a free-for-all.”
Industrial-scale pollution
“This is not regular. Every day there is illegal dumping by the odd bakkie operator. This is industrial-scale pollution perpetrated by large construction companies using 10-ton tipper trucks.
“It is literally an ecological disaster that is playing out on our doorstep with dire long-term environmental, social and economic implications.”
The resident said that while the dumping happens throughout the day, the real damage is done late at night and in the early hours of the morning when large construction vehicles dump their rubble to avoid detection.
“Ward 23 councillor Sarah Wissler is aware of the problem and to her credit has tried to address the problem.
“Last year she arranged for an unmarked JMPD vehicle to patrol the area and also for Pikitup to remove the rubble on the corner of True North and Kliprivier Drive.
“The problem, however, is these interventions, while well intended, are sporadic and unless they are sustained, the dumpers simply return. Mayor Herman Mashaba is also aware of the problem as is councillor Nico De Jager (MMC for Environment and Infrastructure) and councillor Mpho Phalatse (MMC for Health and Social Development).”
Residents can’t do it alone
“Aside from the localised impact, the Klip River Wetland is a major tributary to the Vaal River and acts as a natural filtration system for the mine water coming from the West Rand,” he said.
“Over the last year we have formed a coalition of concerned community members, local businesses and private security companies. Together we have taken it upon ourselves to monitor and patrol the area, stopping and photographing the perpetrators, often placing ourselves at risk in doing so.
“Needless to say this is not the job of everyday citizens, yet we are happy to do it on the understanding that the city needs active citizenship, but in return it is reasonable to expect a reciprocal level of commitment from the City.
“We simply cannot do it alone. Literally, on a daily basis we catch and report trucks dumping to the authorities, who basically tell us that they don’t have the capacity to deal with it. While I empathise, it is simply not good enough.”
Raising public awareness
“We need to raise public awareness about the true nature and scale of the problem. To stop and then reverse the damage will take serious and sustained commitment from all the stakeholders including the company who own much of the affected land. As the land owners they have a legal duty like everyone else to keep their property clean.”
Residents are encouraged to use the Anti-illegal Dumping Hotline to report illegal dumpers.
Residents are advised to take clear photos of the illegal dumping as well as the number plate of the vehicle. Then send these pictures, together with the date, time and location of the illegal dumping to 082 779 1361.
“Do not approach dumpers as they often get aggressive,” he warned.
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