A problem bigger than just George Lea
Sandton - A quick drive around the Sandton area reveals that there are piles of building rubble in numerous places.
The illegal dumping of building rubble in George Lea South Park has been well documented.
However, after a Sandton Chronicle journalist took a quick drive around the Sandton area, many other dump sites were seen.
One such dump site was located on the corner of Second Road and William Nicol Drive in Hyde Park. Another two dump sites were seen on William Nicol Drive towards Bryanston. These piles of rubble are now appearing all over the area.
Master of Sciences student, Duodane Smit, said, “The dumping of building rubble is not just unpleasant to the eye, but has an impact on the plants and grass in its surroundings. The chemicals and contaminants that are found in building rubble can seep into the groundwater, and be carried to the rivers and lakes by rainwater. This is our source of drinking water.”
Smit added that further effects of this illegal dumping could include soil erosion and a release of hazardous gas emissions.
Jenny Moodley of City Parks stressed that it was also the duty of residents who were employing builders to ensure that the building rubble was discarded properly and legally.
Spokesperson for Metro police, Edna Mamonyane urged residents to capture pictures of the people and registration number of the trucks used to dump illegally and send them via WhatsApp to the Metro bylaws department.
Smit concluded by quoting environmentalist Philip Shabecoff, “So bleak is the picture… that the bulldozer and not the atomic bomb may turn out to be the most destructive invention of the 20th century.”
Details: Metro bylaw department: 082 779 1361; ednam@joburg.org.za
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Illegal dumping hits George Lea
Vulnerable elderly residents seek action
Ward councilor with a strong message
