City of Johannesburg Press Statement by Executive Mayor, Cllr Herman Mashaba
We face a serious challenge with regards to grass cutting and vegetation control in Joburg. However, we are committed to working towards restoring the aesthetic beauty of our City.
A number of different departments and entities were historically tasked with the responsibility of grass cutting and vegetation control. This arrangement is cumbersome and we are in the process of ensuring that this responsibility is centralised to work under Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ). We have no doubt that this will dramatically improve the existing state of affairs.
Recently we announced that Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) had issued a purchase order of R4 million to JCPZ for the purpose of grass cutting which has made a difference in a number of communities.
During a recent oversight visit to Riverlea, two challenges were brought to my attention:
- Privately-owned land and properties are not properly maintained in terms of grass-cutting and general upkeep; and
- Illegal dumping is rife.
It must be emphasized that it is not only the community of Riverlea which faces these challenges, but Johannesburg as a whole
It costs the City approximately R170 million per annum to clean street littering and illegal dumping sites. This is money that could have been utilised to enhance service delivery within the City.
I implore all property owners in the City to adhere to their responsibility to maintain their properties.
In terms of City by-laws and policies that regulate public health and the cleaning and clearing of vacant properties, those who fail to honour their responsibilities will be served with a notice by the City instructing them to take the necessary steps in terms of general upkeep and grass-cutting.
If property owners fail to comply with the notice received, the City will make use of our own resources to do the required work on behalf of the property owners and have their municipal accounts debited accordingly.
As a positive step to eradicate illegal dumping in the City, Johannesburg Metro Police Department’s By-law Management Unit has initiated a Community Active Programme where residents can actively be involved in eradicating illegal dumping.
Residents are urged to report illegal dumping in the City by submitting the date, time and location of the incident; type of material dumped; and if possible, a photograph showing the registration plates of the vehicle used for the illegal dumping purposes, to any of the following platforms:
- Joburg Metro Police city by-law enforcement: 082 467 9434
- Joburg Connect: 011 375 5555 (office hours) or 011 375 5911 (office hours)
- Email Pikitup: info@pikitup.co.za
- Twitter: @CleanerJoburg
Any individual or property owner found to be guilty of illegal dumping will be fined R1500 by the City.
The residents of Johannesburg have the right to work, play and raise their children in a clean and safe environment. Overgrown grass, unmaintained buildings and illegal dumping pose an unnecessary health and safety risk to our residents.