A persistent eyesore from illegal dumping at Merebank Shopping Centre and surroundings has members of the Merebank Civic Committee (MCC) enraged after they not only cleaned the area but put up ‘No Dumping’ signage in the area.
The signage, which was strategically placed in hotspots including Juggernaut Road, Sambalpur Road, the corners of Ajmeer and Rajmahal Roads, Badulla Drive, Travencore Drive and the swimming pool area near Tommy Road has not deterred locals from adding to the problem.
“The days of warning residents are now over, if our residents continue with this Illegal dumping then we will name and shame the culprits on social and print media for them to face the full might of the law,” the association said.
Justice Shange, Durban Solid Waste spokesperson, echoed the civic association’s approach of adequate signage at dumping hotspots after clean-ups were conducted. He said that ultimately the onus to maintain cleanliness thereafter fell to residents. Despite this, the civic association still believes that the uncollected DSW bin bags, “due to poor service delivery” has exacerbated the issue.
DM Pillay, MCC member, said: “Our property values are going down. Merebank is becoming another Clairwood; in its worst sense. Rats, snakes and mosquitoes are breeding at these hotspots which is unhealthy for our people and school children who walk to shops and schools.”
Aubrey Snyman, ward 68 councillor, said that the contributing individuals need to start behaving responsibly. “Stop giving these loiterers who come around with bin trolleys, asking for scrap, your dirt and scrap to dispose of. These ‘scrappers’ who take scrap and sell it throw the remainder of dirt anywhere in the community. Residents need to stop this unacceptable behaviour. They should sort their own dirt out in a responsible manner and in doing so will reduce illegal dumping in our community. Not only to raise the area’s economic value but install a lost sense of pride through cleanliness,” he said.
According to MCC, the shopping centre as well as the pool and public library are the most affected by the illegal dumping. The association said: “Drug addicts and vagrants who pose as job-seekers are dually responsible for messing the place. Shoppers are greeted to disgusting filth as they enter the centre from the Raj Mahal Road entrance.”
To combat the problem, the MCC said that in addition to naming and shaming, they will also pursue legal action against illegal dumpers. “In this respect the civic association will offer a reward for information of the culprits who are dumping their garbage. We are requesting the public to take pictures and send to us so we can monitor the place and prosecute those involved,” Pillay said.
Currently the civic association is planning another clean-up and encourage residents to join in once a date is set. “If you see illegal dumping taking place please send us pictures via WhatsApp with full details to 084 362 1016 (Mr Govender), 073 717 8580 (Mr Pillay) or 072 1415045 (Mr Moodly),” they urged.
