The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Alderman Grant Twigg, visited the Van Rhyn Crescent street committee in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain to see their garden, which was previously used as an illegal dumping spot.
With Cape Town communities facing a massive problem of illegal dumping, the Van Rhyn Crescent street committee took ownership of their area with the support of the Ward Councillor Washiela Harris and City officials and turned an empty field that was being used as an illegal dumping spot into a beautiful community garden/park.
The empty field previously attracted various illegal activities, including dumping and drug use.
‘This is a great example of how a community can unite and take ownership of their areas by tackling illegal dumping and keeping them clean. I want to thank this community for setting a good example,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Alderman Grant Twigg.
The community ensures that the garden remains beautiful and well taken care of, including guarding it against vandalism and dumping. The garden is also being utilised to host events by the community. The latest event was on Women’s day this year.
‘I encourage other communities to join this exciting, positive initiative as well as finding more creative ways to stop illegal dumping, including reporting to law enforcement when they see it happening. The City has created a 24-hour toll-free number to report tip-offs about illegal dumping activity. Those convicted of illegal dumping could be fined up to R5 000, have their vehicles 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 R1000 up to R5000, depending on the offence,’ Alderman Twigg added.
Alderman Twigg’s visit to this community garden comes at a time when the City of Cape Town has just launched the #SpringCleanCT campaign that calls for the public to get involved in community clean-ups. To support the campaign an additional 300 temporary workers have been appointed to pick up litter around Cape Town littering hotspots.
During the first campaign week, a total of 1 350 bags of general litter and 150 bags of recyclable material were removed.
Those interested in joining a clean-up can get in touch with their local Subcouncil or local councillor, or check for clean-up groups in your area. Over 110 clean-ups have been organised by community organisations and ward councillors since the Mayor launched the Keep Cape Town Clean initiative earlier this year.
‘I would like to reiterate the challenge to residents to get involved and to show off their efforts under the #SpringcleanCT tag on social media. Let’s show the rest of Cape Town that we stand against littering and dumping. Together we can get our city looking sparkling clean and win this war on waste,’ said Alderman Twigg during the launch of the campaign earlier this month.
To report illegal dumping:
24-Hour toll-free Tip-off line: 0800 110077
Email: solidwaste.bylaw@capetown.gov.za.
To notify the City about dumping that needs to be cleared, please call 0860 103 089. Please include photographs or details that can help Law Enforcement identify and penalise the culprits.