City of Joburg
The City of Joburg Council has approved an increase in impoundment fees for first-time illegal dumpers from R2 970 to R10 000.
The Public Safety Department tabled the report to amend the tariff of charges in terms of the Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 and Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003.
The proposed amendment will see the impounding fee rise from R2 970 to R10 000 for a first-time offender, R15 000 for a second offender and a hefty R20 000 for a third-time offender. The Department also proposes that after the third offence, the vehicle used in any illegal dumping be forfeited to the state.
The report was approved in council and will be published for public comments.
“Illegal dumping is fast becoming a plaque throughout the City of Johannesburg. Many illegal dumpers operate lucrative businesses by collecting refuse, rubble and even toxic waste to dump in parks, roadside, open spaces and rivers,” said Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety Cllr Michael Sun.”
Although Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s efforts such as the Anti-illegal Dumping Hotline and the Anti-illegal Dumping Undercover Unit are yielding positive results, there are still daily occurrences of illegal dumping across the City. In January, eight trucks were impounded for illegal dumping.
“We are receiving daily reports of illegal dumping ranging from residents dumping trash outside their premises to shop owners disposing commercial refuse on non-collection days and industrial refuse being dumped openly. We need to hit the law breakers where it hurts most. The current impound fee of R2 970 does not serve as a serious deterrent for operators, who charge up to R 2000 a load,” said MMC Sun.
He urged residents to support the City in its effort to curb illegal dumping by reporting unlawful activities to 082 719 1361.
