Bayview residents’ dumping site battle

CHATSWORTH residents have called for a prompt response from the illegal dumping hotline to prevent any further occurrences and for those in violation of the city’s by-laws to be charged.

After waiting months for ethekwini’s Parks and Recreation Department to erect a “no dumping” sign, Bayview resident Yugen Moodley was not satisfied. Moodley said the hotline was ineffective and he had to use other communications channels to report illegal dumping.

He claimed that DSW collected disposal bags and left them at one spot opposite his property for several days. He said other residents ended up treating the spot as a dump site for their rubbish too.

Despite sending in his complaints since last November, they were only attended to this week. He said the illegal dumping had caused tension among residents as he was stopping some from dumping.

Moodley has not been successful in stopping neighbours from using the place as a dumping site. He said the area was a health hazard to his family.

“Finally, they came and cleaned the car park area but not across my premises. The supervisor from DSW told me she would send the team back.

“They provided me with three signboards, which I erected myself with nails against the trees. I would like ‘illegal dumping’ boards to be erected across my premises in a secure manner so that wind and rain do not damage the boards.

“This will surely prevent or reduce illegal dumping as well,” said Moodley.

Moodley’s neighbour, Athol Isaac, said he had been unsuccessful in all attempts to contact the hotline.

“Either the phone is engaged or it rings unanswered. What is the point of having this hotline if they never serve the purpose?”

The residents said they appreciated DSW’S cleaning up the car park and providing signboards. They suggested that in future, complaints should be dealt with at a local level.

City spokesperson Tozi Mthethwa said the matter had been reported to the relevant unit and was under investigation.

“The municipality has numerous interventions encouraging residents to keep their neighbourhood clean. This includes cleaning and maintaining of ‘my city’ clean-ups in partnership with schools, business and communities and the adopt-a-spot campaign.

“Through the campaign, the city seeks to eradicate and prevent illegal dumping on vacant verges and open spaces by educating residents about each individual’s responsibility to take care of the environment through adopting and nurturing a spot,” she said.

To report illegal dumping: 031 311 8804