Illegal dumping remains a problem as the City’s Directorate for Urban Waste Management collected over R4 million in fines in the 2023/24 financial year.
The by-law enforcement unit issued 2 631 fines worth R4 334 100; and 1 280 compliance notices to offenders, who were required to meet legal regulations or face penalties.
Urban waste management mayoral committee member Grant Twigg said the unit had conducted weekly blitz operations in the City’s CBD areas, totalling 55 special operations over the past year.
Twigg said the unit had also collaborated on 50 joint operations with other departments, jointly cleaning areas where the homeless frequently stay overnight, like the Cape Town, Bellville and Wynberg central business districts.
“A total of 767 service requests were addressed during the year, highlighting the issue of under-reported dumping. The City urges residents to increase their vigilance and reporting of illegal dumping in the coming year.
“With your assistance, the City can impose fines that deter illegal dumping, protecting our communities’ health and encouraging proper disposal at designated drop-offs or landfills. Recent downpours have shown how dumping into rivers and canals can lead to flooding, endangering health and property.”
Delft Community Policing Forum spokesperson Jackie Ockhuisen said that while community leaders had initiated programmes and projects to rally residents to stop illegal dumping, many had stayed the same over the years and the issue was still concerning.
“I believe that if we had CCTV cameras in our local communities, it would go a long way to curb illegal dumping and crime. It would also make it easy to see who and when our people commit these offences. Our law enforcement could also get back to stopping and questioning people who they deem suspicious; it would help us.
“The City could also do a bit more to help us by putting up signs in our areas. However, we applaud the work they are doing and are pleased to hear that they are holding perpetrators accountable for their actions,” he said.
To report illegal dumping, call the City’s 24-hour toll-free number 0800 110077.
Be sure to include any information that can assist officers in proving guilt, such as a photo of the vehicle involved, including the licence plate number.