GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — Residents of Graaff-Reinet want to see the town cleaned up.

For several weeks now, callers to the Advertiser overwhelmingly want action taken against litterbugs and illegal dumping.

Now, local councillors Linda Botha and Joy Williams have heeded the call for action and have this week kicked off a campaign where the areas troubled by litterbugs will be identified and closely scrutinised.

In a recent press release issued by the Dr Beyers Naude Municipality it was stated that, under current laws, no person may dump, leave or accumulate any garden refuse, motor vehicle wrecks, spare parts, building or waste materials, rubbish or any other waste products in any street or public space, or permit any such objects or substances to be dumped or placed in any street or public place.

A fine of R350 may be imposed by the Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality after receiving an official complaint on the contravention of the above by-law by any resident.

Flyers - issued by the municipality - conveying the above information, was this week distributed by councillors, Joy Williams and Linda Botha, who have now actively started campaigning against littering in Graaff-Reinet.

Williams and Botha are encouraging residents to report on litterbugs in a crackdown to clean up the environment and community members are urged to contact the municipality at 049 807 5700 and ask for the Law Enforcement Officers, Ivan Japhta or Lee Jaftha should they see anyone dumping their refuse illegally.

Problem areas, identified thus far, are:

• The Wolwas Road (from where it starts at the national road, just past N1 Construction, through to the two quarry entrances)

• The corner of Bourke Street and Ryneveld Park

• The bottom end of Donkin Street (next to the river)

• Napier Street

• The Naude Street circle heading into Paul Kruger Street

• An open area in Spandaville across from 12, 14 and 16 Meintjiesstreet

• The open spaces in Bergendal

• The open field across from Burger Inn in College Road

Flyers have already been distributed in several parts of Ward 14 and Ward 2, with a special emphasis on the troubled spots mentioned above.

These areas will be closely scrutinised by watchdogs who have taken it upon themselves to monitor these areas and action will be taken against those found to be littering or dumping their refuse illegally.

A Refuse Transfer Station has been constructed - at great cost to the municipality - on the outskirts of Graaff-Reinet and all are asked to please make use of it to dispose of their refuse.

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