Despite Changu and Mangu claiming to walk the beat in Ward 61, it is no surprise that they have not seen or done much (if anything) to call on law enforcement officials to take stern action against those breaking the by-laws of the suburb.
This, as the ongoing problem of illegal dumping in the Laudium area continues, despite residents calling many times on the ANC controlled Tshwane Council, to keep to their word and deploy a Metro Police vehicle in the area, on a full time basis. Residents say that on many occasions, Council officials and politicians have made public statements concerning the allocation of a Metro vehicle to the Ward, to ensure that by-laws, including the prohibition of illegal dumping, are not transgressed. One of the areas that remains a dumping site, is the area around the pedestrian passage, between Emerald Str and Pearl Str, which residents claim is also a health hazard.
Concerned residents in the area, feel they are losing the battle against illegal dumping, as Cllr Patel is not doing enough to provide tipping bin containers and insist that the Metro Police monitor the area and prosecute the culprits. Residents also say that it is not enough for the Council to clean up the area after a few months, as it is not solving the problem but rather the symptom.
Concerned Emerald Street resident, Nitesh Kalan, who lives just across the illegal dumping site, told the Laudium Sun, “The illegal dumping taking place near the passage on Emerald Street is a serious concern for our community. This issue has been going on for many years, but neither the Council nor many members of the public seem to take it seriously. We need the Metro Police to do regular patrols in the area. Those of us who live near the dumping site are suffering a lot. Trash often blows into my yard and most of the dumping happens at night. I believe some individuals who run shops nearby may be responsible. The smell is terrible and is becoming a major health problem for all of us. There have been countless complaints about this illegal dumping. Even when it’s cleaned, within a couple of days the site is covered in rubbish again. It’s really frustrating and it feels like the Council does not care about our situation. We, the residents of Emerald Street, are sick and tired of this on-going issue. It isn’t just about our street — it affects the entire Laudium community. We need to come together and take a stand. If anyone sees illegal dumping, whether it’s by a foreign owned business or a local resident, they must report it to the City of Tshwane immediately. Let’s all work to keep Laudium clean, hygienic and safe for everyone.”
Ayesha Mohammed, another resident of Emerald Street, told the Laudium Sun, “We are really sick and tired of this issue and honestly, it feels useless to keep complaining. Many residents — especially some who don’t The illegal dumping on Emerald Str, Laudium, has nearby residents up in arms, saying they are sick and tired of complaining to Cllr Patel and the council with nothing being done to resolve the issue. seem to respect this area — are taking Emerald Street for granted and using it as a dumping ground. The stench is terrible and trash is flying everywhere. Those of us who live right next to the site are suffering the most. This situation is unacceptable and the Council needs to take strict action to stop the illegal dumping. It cannot keep going on like this for years and years. We want proper solutions — like installing CCTV cameras, patrols by law enforcement agencies and huge fines for transgressors — so we can identify who is dumping waste, especially at night. This situation has gotten out of hand and the Council must step in immediately.”
Ajay Singh, also of Emerald Street, told the Laudium Sun, “This is horrible. How many times do the residents of Emerald Street have to complain to our Councillor? Yet, nothing is being done to stop this. It’s pure negligence. If the present Councillor can’t take any action for our community, then perhaps it’s time to let someone else who is capable do the job. We are sick and tired of this illegal dumping, which has been going on for years. It’s no longer bearable and our community deserves better.”