Illegal dumping still a concern to Esselen Park residents

By: Ethel Malatji

Email: ethelsiphiwe@gmail.com

When entering Esselen Park, a small township in Thembisa a foul smell of illegal dumping greets you, making it difficult for residents to live in a healthy environment. Despite the municipality's weekly trash collection efforts, the area has devolved into a massive dumping ground, overrunning every corner with piles of waste and debris. The once-thriving community is now grappling with a severe environmental crisis, threatening the well-being of those who call it home.

 According to residents, the main cause of this crisis is the prohibition of tenants from using the main dustbin provided by the municipality.  Lettie Sellwane said landlords have restricted tenants from accessing the dustbin, forcing them to dump their trash everywhere, contributing to the escalating problem.  

Jackson Sehata says "The community's lack of unity and resources has further exacerbated the issue, making it challenging to combat illegal dumping. however, in 2020, community leaders initiated a cleanup project that lasted until 2023 to create a better living environment."

 

Following that, the Community Police Forum (CPF) collaborated with the community to elect patrols to guard the area and minimize dumping. Unfortunately, the overpopulation of over a million people in the area has worsened the illegal dumping problem, tarnishing this area's reputation and deterring people from renting or visiting the area due to its dirty state. 

Local businesses are now being forced to endure the consequences of illegal dumping, as trash is frequently discarded near their selling markets, disrupting their operations and threatening their livelihoods. Lucky Gadzi, a local food vendor, lamented that he has no choice but to clean up the area around his stall daily, only for people to continue dumping trash there.

 Msabeni Khumalo, Chairperson of the community, expressed grave concern over the escalating dumping crisis. emphasizing that it demands immediate attention from the community, its leaders, and the municipality to mitigate its devastating impact. 

"The ongoing illegal dumping in Esselen Park can only be stopped if landlords take responsibility and provide their tenants with dustbins,” said Khumalo.

Thembisa CPF Chairperson further added, "It is essential to implement effective waste management strategies, educate the community about proper waste disposal, and hold landlords accountable for providing adequate waste disposal facilities for their tenants."