The leader of the Democratic Liberal Congress, Patrick Pillay has called for harsher punishment to be faced by illegal dumpers after inspecting a number of areas which have become problematic and an eye sore within the Phoenix community.
Pillay said he conducted in loco inspections after receiving numerous complaints regarding the growing number of illegal dump sites in the area. He said: “Phoenix is quickly eroding into a mega dumping site, the illegal dumping is destroying the environmental fabric of our society. If our community and government do not arrest this situation, our children will be growing up in a very unhealthy era with diseases prevailing uncontrollably.”
The DLC conducted an inspection of Dunlen pathway among other problematic areas in Phoenix. “We found piles of domestic and garden refuse, building rubble and other waste products lying at the verges and open spaces of the road. It was shocking to find out that used baby diapers are being consistently thrown at the Dunlen pathway entrance, despite the residents clearing this place daily,” Pillay said.
He said many other pathways in Phoenix are fast becoming dumping sites, with no consideration for residents and learners that use these pathways to school and work, on a daily basis. “This is unacceptable and needs a greater push by our City and residents alike, to work together in clamping down on the perpetrators. The DLC is of the firm view that illegal dumpsters must be criminally charged and pay a high price for their reckless and careless acts,” said the DLC leader.
He added: “Although residents are encouraged to dispose of their domestic refuse on the designated collection days, we still have some offenders who often dispose of their refuse on days after the collection days or after the refuse removal truck has left their area, despite knowing what they are doing is illegal. Law enforcement and prosecution and civil society are vital in stopping illegal dumping. Our city needs to enforce stricter illegal dumping laws, clearly explaining the penalties and consequences if a perpetrator is caught.”
Pillay encouraged residents to report illegal dumping by calling the Cleansing and Solid Waste hotline on 031 311 8804/ email: DSW@durban.gov.za or by calling parks and gardens on 031 322 1530.
