The DA in Emfuleni has raised concerns about the problematic trend of illegal dumping. DA Emfuleni Constituency Political Head, Councillor Dady Mollo, said in a statement it is no longer uncommon to see huge piles of waste, old household items, construction waste, or used products dumped by the roadside, street corners or at non-designated dumping sites. Illegal dumping is on the rise and threatens the environment, wildlife and their habitat.

 One of the biggest risks illegal dumping poses to residents is exposure to illnesses causing bacteria. Mollo adds that proactive combating of this problem would save tax- payers money, which is currently being spent on addressing unscheduled dumping site clean-ups instead of regular waste collection on a weekly basis which has fallen short. The R28 Golden High Way especially, Boitumelo and Zone 16 has become illegal dumping hotspots.

The DA vows to continue to put pressure on the Emfuleni by-law unit to enforce the municipality’s by-laws in combating illegal dumping by demanding a report from the waste department which includes a plan to remedy the dire situation and submit questions in council to apply pressure on the ANC run Emfuleni Municipality.

Report by: Cornelius D. Mofokeng.