‘We pay rates, we deserve service delivery’

RESIDENTS in Isipingo, Clare Estate and Clairwood are concerned about the number of illegal dump sites in their areas. They say the eThekwini Municipality should be doing more with the money collected for property rates.

Isipingo

Sunildutt Ramadhar, of the Isipingo Ratepayers Association, said illegal dumping started around 2014 in areas that include Jadwat Street, Alexandra Avenue and at the corner of Gookal and Inwabi roads.

“Isipingo is absolutely filthy. The illegal dump sites are infested with rats and cockroaches, and the stench from the dirt makes it difficult to breathe.”

He said members from the association saw employees from businesses outside the area dump unwanted materials. In addition to this, residents, who did not put their waste out early enough for collection, also dumped their bin bags.

“When we confront the employees and residents, we are threatened and sworn at.”

Ramadhar said the matter was reported to the councillors, Durban Solid Waste (DSW) and the city, as well as metro police and SAPS.

“But these go unanswered. We get tired of waiting for assistance, so we load the dirt from the illegal dump sites into our vans and take it to landfill sites so it can be properly discarded. We pay almost R1 000 for rates. We deserve service delivery.”

Ramadhar said eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda was invited to a walkabout of Isipingo. “He cannot sit behind a desk. He needs to be on the

ground and see what is happening.”

Sipho Khuzwayo, a resident of Jadwat Street for 17 years, said: “My neighbour has been trying to sell his home for three years, but they cannot get a buyer because of the dumpsite.”

Sunil Brigmohan, the ANC councillor for the area, said he raised the issue at council meetings and that they were trying to reopen an old dumpsite on Flamboyant Drive. He said residents needed to be more responsible about their surroundings.

Clare Estate

Kaveer Boodoo, of the Clare Estate Ratepayers Association, said: “Some people, who are renting in the area, throw their trash on pavements. I have seen this. When the food rots, it smells and attracts flies and rodents. It is a terrible sight.”

Boodoo said he erected boards

instructing residents to refrain from illegally dumping. It did not work.

“Our dirt collection is split into two days – on Thursdays and Fridays. Instead of keeping their waste on their properties until bin day, residents leave it exposed on the roads. We complained to the city and we did a clean-up but it continues. Law enforcement must be harsher with imposing fines to clamp down on those responsible.”

Manser Akoo, who has lived in Clare Estate for 30 years, said: “Illegal dumping, among other things, has changed the face of the neighbourhood. We are worried that it will impact our property values. The city must intervene.”

Sagar Singh, a DA proportional representative councillor in Clare Estate, said: “I have spoken to those responsible for dumping, and once arranged a clean-up with the relevant municipality departments but nothing changed.”

Clairwood

Ravin Brijlal, of the Clairwood Ratepayers Association, said: “We have a large informal settlement with more than 100 residents. These families don’t have bins or a designated area to dispose of their dirt. When their dirt piles up, they dump it onto the pavement.”

He said plastic packages often got into the stormwater drainage system and resulted in blockages at residential properties.

“There is old food, soiled nappies, bottles, cardboard and plastic. Some of these items can be recycled. The informal residents need bins and a designated area to dispose of their dirt, where it will be collected by DSW. We had a clean-up two weeks ago but if you walk through the area now, it is polluted with litter.”

Aeshika Kissoonduth, a resident, said: “I was born here 48 years ago. This used to be a beautiful area with lovely fruit trees outside some of the homes. Now every street has heaps of litter. We recently had an infestation of flies after mealie packets were dumped on the street. We cannot live like this.”

Sharmaine Sewshanker, a DA PR councillor, said Clairwood was seen as a dumping ground due to the lack of service delivery.

“Businesses dump their waste material in the area. When DSW is delayed with their pick-up, the residents also start to dump. We have done clean-ups but within days the litter is back.”

Msawakhe Mayisela, the spokesperson for the eThekwini Municipality, said the city had a dedicated team of staff who strove to provide superior service to all residents.

“Service delivery remains our key priority. The matter has been brought to the attention of the relevant unit. The area managers responsible for the areas will investigate and address the matter accordingly. Cleansing and Solid Waste (DSW) attends to all cases reported as illegal dumping could cause accidents on the road and poses serious environmental health issues.”

He called on residents to be champions of change and to stop littering as well as illegal dumping.

“Where illegal dumping is concerned, once DSW has been alerted, they visit the dumping site and assess the situation. Staff then engage with the residents and/or businesses surrounding the area and advise them on correct waste management practices and ask them to take ownership of the community. They also clear the illegal dumping and where budget allows, and a need arises, they may erect ‘No Illegal Dumping’ signboards.”

♦ Illegal dumping can be reported to the city at 031 311 8804.