Clare Estate residents block trucks in protest over illegal dumping
The dumping is believed to be orchestrated by a private developer, with the involvement of contractors. Former CERA chairperson, Cyril Nair, a long-time resident, expressed the frustration of the community.
Tempers flared in Clare Estate on Tuesday as frustrated residents took matters into their own hands, blocking heavy-duty trucks that were allegedly dumping rubble into the Sydenham Quarry Lake.
The protest erupted on Clare Road after months of complaints from the community, who say they have had enough of the environmental damage caused by illegal dumping in their neighbourhood.
The protest, led by members of the Clare Estate Ratepayers Association (CERA), saw residents physically barricading the trucks, with their vehicles, from accessing the dumping site, which has been a point of contention for months. The rubble, allegedly brought in by contractors from Durban Central, is being dumped into the lake.
The dumping is believed to be orchestrated by a private developer, with the involvement of contractors. Former CERA chairperson, Cyril Nair, a long-time resident, expressed the frustration of the community.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Trucks- a threat to Clairwood residents
“For years, we’ve tried to maintain this area on our own. The municipality has ignored our pleas, and now our roads are destroyed, and the lake is filled with rubble. The environmental damage is devastating,” said Nair.
He highlighted the ongoing dumping, which has escalated in recent weeks, despite contraventions issued by the municipality. The dumping not only affects the lake, which is home to diverse bird and fish life, but has also damaged local infrastructure, including roads and water pipes. “We can’t sit back while our neighbourhood turns into a dumping ground,” added Nair.
Lal Hiralal, CERA’s public relations officer, noted that the situation is particularly dangerous for children attending two nearby schools. “Residents fear for the safety of their children as heavy trucks navigate the damaged roads. The trucks pass through daily, creating a hazardous environment for pedestrians,” he said. Metro Police were on-site during the protest, offering support as residents voiced their grievances.
The residents are appealing for urgent intervention from the municipality to stop the illegal activities and restore order to the area. Last month, the city said it would implement a co-ordinated plan of action to decisively deal with the environmental degradation resulting from unauthorised waste disposal after clearing up an illegal dumpsite in Cato Manor.
ALSO READ: Clairwood residents call for ban on trucks
“Illegal dumping continues to pose a huge challenge in the city. This act normally stems from businesses and residents, and it hinders the objectives of the city to maintain a clean and safe environment. The city calls on communities, schools, and businesses to clean up areas where they work, live, and play by disposing of their litter properly.
The ill-conceived notion that littering creates employment is baseless as such irresponsible behaviour degrades public areas and may lead to health complications. Community leaders and residents are urged to report illegal dumping so that offenders can be identified and fined.
The city calls on residents to stand firmly against illegal dumping and to report incidents by calling 031 311-8804 or emailing [email protected],” said eThekwini Municipality spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana.
