Another week and yet again residents have complained to the Laudium Sun about poor service delivery by the Tshwane Council and the lack of assistance from Ward 61 Cllr Naeem Patel, of the ANC.
This time, residents of Jade Street in Laudium, have complained about the ongoing illegal dumping in front of the Council owned Laudium Tennis Courts. Residents say that they have complained to Cllr Patel a few times about the dumping, but that the Councillor has not assisted, adding that ‘he seems too focused on personal recognition and reputation to take any action’ on their complaints. The residents added that the ongoing neglect and hobos in the area have left them frustrated, as their ongoing complaints have not resulted in any visible cleanup or enforcement by the Council or the Metro Police, while the SAPS have refused to intervene, saying that it was not their duty to act on Council by-laws. Residents are now once more appealing to the Council and the Ward Councillor to address the issue promptly so as to restore cleanliness and safety to the area.
Concerned Jade Street, Laudium resident, Sadick Bhamjee, told the Laudium Sun, “This ongoing illegal dumping next to the Laudium Tennis Court is a major problem for us residents of Jade Street and the surrounding area. This dumping has been going on for over two years, yet no one seems to pay any attention to it. It has become a serious issue and it is important that Cllr Naeem Patel understands clearly through this medium, the Laudium Sun, that residents voted for him to serve the community, not for personal fame. If Naeem cannot fulfill his responsibilities, it would be better for him to resign from his Councillor position because there are many potential candidates who could serve the community far more effectively. Despite repeated complaints to Naeem about the ongoing illegal dumping on Jade Street, no long-term solution has been implemented. The situation continues to worsen and residents are left frustrated and helpless. The piles of waste not only create a horrible visual impact, but also pose a serious health hazard. Stagnant garbage attracts rodents and insects, increases the risk of disease, gives off an unpleasant odour and creates an unsafe environment for everyone living nearby. The continued neglect shows a lack of accountability from the local Council and Councillor, leaving residents feeling ignored and disrespected. Part of the problem also lies with careless individuals who contribute to this mess. Some residents’ domestic workers are sent to dump household waste on the pavement, showing a complete disregard for the community. Cleaning one’s home does not give anyone the right to litter public areas. Cleanliness reflects character and by allowing or participating in illegal dumping, these individuals reveal a lack of responsibility, respect, and moral awareness. Such actions damage the reputation of the community and degrade the quality of life for everyone. The illegal dumping has become a source of disgust and frustration for Jade Street residents. People are upset not only because of the unsightly piles of garbage, but also because it undermines the values of the community. Those responsible for dumping in the street are often neighbours who fail to understand the importance of hygiene, environmental care, and social responsibility. This behaviour is especially frustrating when these same individuals publicly preach about morality or religion, while actively harming their own community. As residents we demand immediate action from both the Councillor and the Council to remove the dumped waste and implement measures to prevent future dumping. It is vital for Jade Street to be restored to a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. If accountability is ignored, the area will continue to deteriorate, with nyaopes taking over, reflecting poorly on the entire community.”
Touseef Iqbal, also of Jade Street, told the Laudium Sun, “The illegal dumping in front of the Laudium Tennis Courts has been an ongoing issue for years and as residents, we are extremely frustrated with the repeated inaction from the Council. Complaints have been raised multiple times, yet no meaningful response has been provided. The piles of waste continue to remain, creating a constant nuisance and making the area unpleasant to live in. The smell is unbearable and is affecting the well-being of families, especially children and elderly residents, who are most vulnerable to the unsanitary conditions. The problem is more than just an eyesore. The accumulation of trash attracts pests, spreads bacteria, and increases the risk of infections, which puts the entire community at risk. It is frustrating to see that despite the severity of the situation, the Council has not implemented any permanent measures to prevent illegal dumping. The residents of Jade Street are left feeling ignored and helpless as the street continue to deteriorate around them. Immediate action is required to clear the waste and restore hygiene to the area. Beyond just removing the trash, the Council needs to establish a clear strategy to prevent future dumping. Regular patrols, proper signage, opening a dumping site nearby and stricter enforcement can help ensure that the problem does not recur. The community deserves to live in a clean and safe environment without having to constantly raise complaints and tolerate neglect. We hope the authorities and our Councillor will act quickly and provide a lasting solution to this ongoing illegal dumping, so that the streets are safe, healthy and welcoming for everyone.”
