The dumping of nappies and other rubbish on the field adjacent to Dolomite Sportsfield in Magaliesberg Street in Tafelsig is now something of the past.
Thanks to the City of Cape Town’s #SpringCleanCT campaign.
“Residents living next to the field complained about the flies in their homes from the nappies and other litter dumped next to the field. I had no alternative but to post the before and after pictures on social media to bring this to the attention of the residents of Tafelsig. This was disgusting and was not only ugly to look at but a health hazard. Cleanliness is next to Godliness,” says Washiela Harris, Ward 82 councillor.
Luckily for her, the complaints from residents coincided with the clean-up campaign of the City and the rubbish was removed.
The campaign resulted in 178 987 bags of general litter and 1 755 bags of recycling being removed to date.
In a press release issued by the City, a 24-hour toll-free number to report tip-offs about illegal dumping activity was launched.
Those convicted of illegal dumping could be fined up to R5 000, have their vehicle impounded, or face a two-year prison sentence.
In addition, for every report that leads to a fine and conviction, the City is offering a reward from R1 000 to R5 000, depending on the offence. “To date, 2 049 by-law contravention notices have also been issued as part of the campaign.
“If residents would like to get involved, they are encouraged to arrange a clean-up or sponsor a community clean-up. Be sure to share your efforts on social media with the hashtag #SpringCleanCT so more people are hopefully inspired to take action,” says Grant Twigg, City’s Mayco member for urban waste management.
Residents are also invited to include via tweet Twigg and Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis on Twitter: @CityofCT, @Geordinhl, and @GrantTwigg.
Furthermore, residents are encouraged to report illegal dumping tip-offs to our 24-hour toll-free number on 0800 110077. “Efforts linked to this campaign are making a significant difference, but the dumping problem in our City needs ongoing efforts to address effectively. Hopefully, many more communities will come together to participate before or during the holiday period,” said Twigg.
Harris appealed to residents in Mitchell’s Plain to stop dumping and report the dumpers as dumping is unacceptable.
