Key Takeaways:
- The Nelson Mandela Bay metro has responded to a local company’s efforts to clean up a large pile of trash on a busy street corner in Gqeberha.
- The trash had been accumulating for at least six months, despite repeated pleas from business owners for the municipality to intervene.
- The metro attributes the problem to illegal dumping, which it is working to overcome through increased monitoring and enforcement.
- The municipality is urging residents and businesses to report offenders and make use of legal disposal sites.
- Illegal dumping is a criminal offense, and the metro is appealing to residents and businesses to desist from such practices.
Introduction to the Problem
The Nelson Mandela Bay metro has responded strongly to a local company’s efforts to clean up a large pile of trash on a busy street corner in Gqeberha. The company, Algoa Plant, cleared the large pile of rubbish on the corner of Cottrell and Caseley streets in Korsten on Monday, after it had been left unattended by the municipality for at least six months. The problem had been festering for years, with the metro sporadically responding to the issue, but allegedly not intervening at all since at least mid-year, despite repeated pleas from business owners.
The Metro’s Response
The metro has appreciated the concern and efforts of businesses in the area, but claims to have cleared the spot on multiple occasions. According to metro spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya, the Korsten area in general, and the Cottrell-Caseley corner in particular, had become a dumping hotspot. Businesses and individuals were illegally discarding building rubble, commercial and food waste, and other refuse, which falls outside normal household collection services and places significant strain on municipal resources. The metro is taking several firm steps to address the issue, including intensifying monitoring of known hotspots, identifying and penalizing offenders, and engaging businesses and residents on proper waste practices.
The Issue of Illegal Dumping
The metro attributes the problem to illegal dumping, which it is working to overcome. Soyaya stated that waste management teams will continue to engage with businesses and residents on proper waste practices, and encouraged local stakeholders to work with the municipality to report offenders and make use of legal disposal sites. The metro is urging residents and businesses to report offenders to the municipality, which can be done through the ward councillor or by calling the metro’s toll-free number 0800-205-050. This will help to register and track the complaint, and enable the municipality to take action against those responsible for the illegal dumping.
The Impact on the Community
The issue of illegal dumping has a significant impact on the community, not only in terms of the aesthetic appeal of the area but also in terms of the health and safety risks it poses. The accumulation of trash and debris can attract pests and vermin, and create an environment that is conducive to the spread of disease. Furthermore, the lack of effective waste management can also have a negative impact on local businesses, which may struggle to operate in an area that is perceived as dirty and unkempt. The metro’s efforts to address the issue of illegal dumping are therefore crucial, not only in terms of maintaining the cleanliness and beauty of the area but also in terms of promoting the health, safety, and economic well-being of the community.
The Way Forward
The metro’s response to the issue of illegal dumping is a positive step towards addressing the problem, but it will require the cooperation and participation of the community to be effective. Residents and businesses must take an active role in reporting offenders and making use of legal disposal sites, and the municipality must continue to monitor and enforce the laws and regulations related to waste management. By working together, it is possible to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for everyone. The metro’s efforts to engage with businesses and residents on proper waste practices, and to provide education and awareness about the importance of proper waste management, are also crucial in promoting a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility. Ultimately, the success of the metro’s efforts will depend on the ability of the community to come together and take ownership of the issue, and to work towards a common goal of creating a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful environment for all.
