An illegal dumping site at the corner of Jackal Road, Riverside Road and Roadhouse Crescent has long been an eyesore in Waterloo, Verulam. On Sunday, 5 July, members of the Waterloo Development Organisation (WDO), together with government departments, took it upon themselves to clean up the area, improving its cleanliness and safety for the community.
The illegal dumping site, like many others across eThekwini, has been a persistent problem for several years, with overflowing waste, health hazards and burning debris regularly reported.
In addition to being unsightly and producing unpleasant odours, illegal dumping sites pose serious public health risks. They attract disease-carrying vermin, spread bacteria and contaminate local water sources and soil.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) said uncontrolled waste, especially wet garbage and discarded containers holding stagnant water, creates ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes and flies. This increases the risk of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, malaria and dengue fever. Bites from, or contact with the urine of, rats and mice can also spread diseases such as leptospirosis, which may cause severe liver and kidney damage. Open burning of waste releases hazardous smoke containing harmful particulate matter and toxic gases.
Beyond the health risks, illegal dumping degrades neighbourhoods by blocking stormwater drains, increasing the risk of localised flooding and stagnant water. It also exposes residents, particularly children, to sharp objects, broken glass and other hazardous materials that can cause serious injuries.
In response to the growing problem, the WDO organised a community clean-up campaign. Volunteers removed illegally dumped waste and building rubble from Jackal Road, cleared overgrown vegetation and raised awareness among residents about environmental and public health issues.
The initiative was supported by Durban Solid Waste (DSW), which assisted with waste removal and site management. Representatives from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health and the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) also participated by providing health education and ensuring environmental compliance.
WDO chairperson Brian Khumbulani Zuma said: “WDO has been active in Ward 106 since 2017, focusing on community development and service delivery. Since 2024, we have been working in partnership with DSW Management, alongside the Health Department and Environmental Department, to address illegal dumping and improve public health in our ward. This site has become a serious health hazard to residents and commuters along Jackal Road. The campaign is aimed at restoring environmental health, reducing disease risk, and reclaiming the space for community use.”
Despite the successful clean-up, Zuma said more work remains to be done to address illegal dumping throughout the community. WDO will continue its clean-up campaign over the coming weekends and is encouraging residents to get involved in keeping Waterloo clean.
For more information or to volunteer, contact the Waterloo Development Organisation on 082 818 3452 or email waterloodevorgnpc@gmail.com.
The eThekwini Municipality has urged residents not to use illegal dumping sites. Illegal dumping and dump sites can be reported to the Cleansing and Solid Waste (CSW) Unit on 031 311 8804 or via email at DSW@durban.gov.za.
