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City steps up efforts to fight illegal dumping

The Safety and Security Portfolio Committee commended the enforcement efforts to curb illegal dumping throughout the metropole. The City’s Traffic Service, Law Enforcement and Metro Police Departments issued 7 778 fines for illegal dumping during the period July – December 2023.

At its recent monthly meeting, the City's Safety and Security Portfolio Committee considered the latest quarterly report on the Directorate's performance. While there were numerous notable performance indicators, including CCTV detections, inspections at scrap metal dealers and roadblocks to curb drunk driving, the committee also noted the gains made in addressing littering and illegal dumping. The three enforcement agencies issued nearly 8 000 fines for illegal dumping and littering over a six month period. During that time, the Law Enforcement Department also impounded 68 vehicles used in the act of illegal dumping. The fine for illegal dumping is R5000 with the likelihood of the vehicle being impounded. The driver or owner of the vehicle will then - on top of the fine - also have to pay R 8 700 to have the vehicle released after the mandatory administrative processes are completed. Vehicles that are impounded for illegal dumping, are kept at the City's Law Enforcement pound. Should the same vehicle be impounded a second time, the release fee is R11 700, and R17 400 for a third offence. 'Illegal dumping has many negative effects on the environment, properties and infrastructure. Often the damage to the environment becomes apparent months or years after the dumping took place – such as chemical dumping that could have an effect on underground water. Communities are urged to report illegal dumping and to ensure that detailed information is recorded such as date, time, address and the make, colour and registration number of the vehicle and what is being dumped. This will assist officers to speed up the investigation. Law Enforcement officers regularly monitor illegal dumping hot spots as part of scheduled patrols, but will also act on information received.'Illegal dumping is a serious offence, but also a selfish act, because it shows a complete disregard for the rights, health and wellbeing of others, and future generations. The Portfolio Committee notes the dedication of our enforcement services in tackling this scourge, which is but one of the many challenges in our city. We also request assistance from our residents to blow the whistle on illegal dumping. This, like many other enforcement priorities, is a shared responsibility, so if you see something, say something,' said the Chairperson of the Safety and Security Portfolio Committee, Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe. Illegal dumping can be reported to the City's Public Emergency Communication Centre by phoning 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline. End

2024-03-07T22:00:00Z

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