Metro cracks down on illegal dumping
ALEXANDRA - Metro police at Marlboro station are cracking down on illegal dumping in Alexandra.
Metro police at Marlboro station are cracking down on illegal dumping in Alexandra.
They impounded seven trucks on 26 and 27 March for attempting to dump rubble illegally in Setswetla informal settlement along the Jukskei river. According to Superintendent Ignus Jona, illegal dumping and other unregulated waste disposal methods are long standing problems and health hazards to the community of Alexandra.
The impounding is part of police’s crack down on this illegal activity. “We are intensifying bylaw enforcement and have prioritised dumping which is caused by the booming building industry and home renovators hiring illegal waste disposal companies without knowledge of where they dispose the waste.”
“Those who contribute to this activity should know that they are accessories to a criminal act and contribute health hazards to other city residents,” explained Jona.
The booming building industry is also a lucrative spin off for rubble removers who prefer to dispose waste including disused household items at sites close to their businesses and clients so that they can do many trips and maximise profit hence their choice of Alexandra.
“Also, locals identify empty sites on council land and charge a fee for dumping. We want to curb this activity before it becomes entrenched and difficult to control in future,” Jona added. He went further and urged those who want to operate legally to register with Pikitup, so that they can dump freely at approved sites.
The superintendent expressed concern over the conditions of the trucks which had worn tyres, expired or no licence disks, missing rear view mirrors, window winders and wipers, worn seats and exhaust systems and pedals secured with wire.
“Most of them are operated at night or early morning to avoid detection by police and law abiding citizens. They are a danger to other motorists and pedestrians if [they are]let to move freely on our roads,” explained Jona.
The trucks would be released on payment of R1 500 fine for illegal dumping. The defective ones will be towed away for repairs and let back on the road once issued with roadworthy certificates.
Details: Superintendent Ignus Jona 083 399 2835.
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That vehicle should b impounded & a hefty fine imposed on the company or individuals involved.the vehicle on its own its not roadworthy posing a danger to ather road users.i applaud the metro police for the job well done keep the good work