MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The municipal Waste Management and Pollution Control Department has been faced with the challenge of combatting the illegal dumping of waste in and around Mossel Bay.
It is no longer uncommon to see or find huge piles of waste in the form of old household items, builders’ rubble or used products dumped by the roadside, in natural habitats or non-designated dumping sites.
It is increasingly becoming problematic as it hinders the objective of keeping the environment clean.
This malpractice is defined as illegal dumping and it is considered unlawful on account of the harm it causes to humans, animals and the environment. An enormous amount of taxpayers’ funds has been used to remove waste from illegal dumping sites.
In the Waste Management and Pollution Control Department's efforts to further combat the unlawful practice of illegal dumping, the issuance of admission of guilt fines in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act have been instituted.
In 2022, to date, the department has issued 13 illegal dumping offenders with fines. It is R1 000 per offence for the first wrongdoing.
The department is currently planning to amend its legislation as far as the penalties are concerned.
Under the amendment, motor vehicles that are used during the unlawful act of illegal dumping may be impounded.
The municipality urges members of the public to report any illegal dumping of waste activities via telephone (044 606 5000) or via email (admin@mosselbay.gov.za). If possible, please take photographs of the illegal dumping, preferably including the registration details of the vehicles used during the unlawful activity.
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