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City’s Safety and Security officers scoop up awards for Anti-littering and Dumping campaign

The City’s Safety and Security Directorate yesterday commended Traffic, Metro Police and Law Enforcement officers at an award ceremony held at the Civic Centre, Cape Town. The awards were in recognition and appreciation for their dedication and commitment in protecting communities from illegal dumping. Officers received awards for their valuable contribution in the Anti-littering and Dumping campaign.

The commendations highlighted the important role officers play in preventing littering and dumping in communities. Dumping of waste in open areas, green belts and near ponds has an impact on the health and safety of communities. Officers were kept busy throughout the national COVID-19 lockdown, with 1 315 service requests received in the first six months of the year. During this period, they issued 453 compliance notices, 286 fines and impounded 24 vehicles for illegal dumping. ‘The City’s enforcement services play an important role in educating the public about dumping and littering, the harmful effects on the environment, how to dispose of waste properly and what the consequences are if you are caught dumping illegally. We are proud to show appreciation for the hard work done by these officers, even during these challenging times where they have to protect themselves while working to stop illegal dumping,’ said the Executive Mayor, Dan Plato. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/anti%20litter1.jpg" alt="" style="width:900px;" /> </figure>The Anti-littering and Dumping campaign, started in November 2016, has since had numerous successes in the enforcement of the relevant by-laws. In particular, the impoundment of vehicles, as provided for in the Integrated Waste Management By-law, has proven to be an effective strategy in deterring and preventing illegal dumping as well as ensuring the prosecution of such cases. Those who intend to dump, should know that the cost of seizing and impounding the vehicle used in the act will be for the expense of the owner or the person holding or operating the vehicle. The vehicle will not be released unless the case is concluded and on receipt of the fees payable. This includes an impoundment fee; <ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">First offence R8 700 </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Second offence R11 700</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Third offence R17 400</div></li></ul> The above fees exclude the fine of R5 000 for illegal dumping. The person caught dumping must pay both the fine and impoundment fee and submit both receipts to the pound in order for the vehicle to be released. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Anti-littering%20awards%203.jpg" alt="" style="width:917px;" /> </figure>‘Cleaning up dumping and littering costs the City R380 million a year. This is money which we could use for much more positive purposes than cleaning up after inconsiderate and irresponsible people. It is not feasible to spend more and more budget on cleaning, if people simply litter to the extent that cleaning needs to be done every other day. There will have to be a behavioural change and that involves awareness, education and enforcement. ‘The work done by our enforcement officers to bring those who dump illegally to book, shows a commitment to protect the rights of residents to stay in a clean and safe environment. Working closely with other City departments, these officers also protect the built and natural environment as dumping has a serious and long lasting effect on the environment. Dumping could also contaminate surface and underground water, as well as damaging City infrastructure,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith. Residents are requested to report any dumping by phoning 021 487 4800 from a landline and 107 from a cell phone. End

2020-09-16T22:00:00Z

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