GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — The Dr Beyers Naude Municipality has raised its concerns about the increasing cases of illegal dumping and littering in the various neighbourhoods of Graaff-Reinet.
This follows many complaints by the town's residents in this regard.
Clean-up actions have been done in the past couple of weeks - most notably that of Graaff-Reinetters Louis du Preez, Ben van der Merwe, Carel Enslin and Stuart du Preez at several recreational areas throughout Graaff-Reinet - another effort worth mentioning is that of the residents of Cypress Grove who made an effort to clean up the entrance to their neighbourhood.
This past weekend, yet another attempt was made by residents of Bergendal to clean up some of the litter strewn about the area.
But it seems that the culprits just keep coming back. In some of the residential areas it seems to be the residents themselves who are guilty of dumping and littering.
A few weeks ago an effort was made by Ben van der Merwe to clean up an open field across from Burger Inn in College Road, but several days later the vestiges of illegal dumping was once again evident.
"What bothers me is the fact that this just keeps on happening and nothing is being done about it," said one concerned Bergendal resident. "It is as if nobody is taking these 'environmental crimes' seriously."
He is also pained by residents who keep dumping illegally in open areas in Bergendal. "People in the area dump their garden and household rubbish on any open area."
According to Leolynn Smith, the municipality's communications officer, "Illegal dumping is a concern throughout the municipality. We urge community members to come forward when they see someone dumping illegally at any place throughout the municipality."
She went on to explain that In terms of Section 8 of the roads and traffic by-law, 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 Municipality after receiving an official complaint on the contravention of the above by-law by any resident.
"Please note that household refuse will be collected twice a week on your scheduled collection day. All residents must place their refuse bags and/or bins in front of their homes for collection. With regard to business refuse, most businesses are supplied with waste containers that will be collected by the municipal refuse collection trucks." Smith continued.
"Garden refuse must be cut into smaller pieces to fit into the refuse bags and must not be put in the same bag as household refuse or building rubble. All refuse must be taken to the waste transfer station where it will be tested and then dumped at the landfill site by the municipality." she concluded.
If any member of the community sees anyone dumping their refuse illegally, they are urged to please contact the municipality at 049 807 5700 and ask for the Law Enforcement Officers, Ivan Japhta or Lee Jaftha, or after-hours call the emergency number 083 754 9908.
'Ons bring jou die nuutste Graaff-Reinet, Karoo nuus'
