The City’s Solid Waste Management Department has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping Cape Town’s built and natural environment clear of waste and calls on residents to assist by reporting illegal dumping. Last month alone, the department issued fines amounting to almost R100 000 – the majority of which were for the illegal dumping of builders’ rubble and tyres. Some of the fines issued were as high as R2 500.
In one case the department’s enforcement unit acted swiftly after receiving information which included the registration number and photographs of a vehicle seen dumping building rubble in the northern suburbs. The transgressor was issued a R1 000 fine and a notice to remove the rubble.
Apart from the day-to-day law enforcement operations, 183 businesses across the metropole were also inspected to ensure that they have contracts for waste removal. The investigation showed that 24 business did not comply and they were instructed to do so. The department will revisit these businesses in due course to make sure that they have waste removal contracts in place.
The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Utility Services, Councillor Shehaam Sims, has made it clear that the City continues to strive for greater effectiveness in its law enforcement operations, because cleaning up illegal dumping is very costly.
“A clean environment is an investment in the future and it clearly contributes to our quality of life. I therefore make an earnest appeal to all residents to be vigilant and report all instances of illegal dumping – and please provide details such as the vehicle registration numbers and the date, time and place of transgressions. This enables the City to issue fines and compel the transgressors to remove the dumped waste,” said Councillor Sims.
Residents can report details of dumped material and request dumped material to be removed by calling the City’s Customer Care Line on 0860 103 089, via fax on 021 400 4302 or via e-mail to wastewise@capetown.gov.za, or, during office hours 021 400 6157.
The City launched a Solid Waste By-Law Enforcement Unit in 2010 which can, under certain circumstances, take action on illegal dumping. This Unit handles the legal aspects of fines and the criminal procedures related to dumping. It acts in instances where a member of the public has details or can identify someone accused of dumping, where a vehicle is seen dumping, or where there is evidence indicating the source of dumped material. The public can report information to the Solid Waste By-Law Enforcement Unit on 021 400 6157.
