MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A section outside the side entrance to the Mossel Bay Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit has seemingly become a dumping ground, and sections of the paving outside the entrance were also removed.
Mossel Bay Advertiser visited the FCS offices in Dywili Street last week and was shown the illegal dumpsite by a concerned officer of the unit, who asked not to be named. He said the illegal dumpsite and the missing paving have been this way for about a year now.
“The dump has become a nest for mice and rats, and the rats have actually chewed through some cables several times, leaving the FCS without internet or phone lines on a few occasions,” said the policeman.
He added that the missing pavement is also a big problem, and that it damages the FCS’s vehicles when they enter and exit the premises, which they do multiple times a day when the officers rush out to cases, conduct investigations and go to court.
The paving has been removed from a section outside the entrance to the Mossel Bay FCS station. Photo: Chelsea Pieterse
The officer said the Mossel Bay Municipality had been informed of both the dump and the paving situation. The Advertiser sent the municipality some queries about the current situation.
The municipality said the site outside the FCS station is cleaned on a routine basis, but unfortunately, illegal dumping persists.
“Municipal environmental health officials will once again conduct site visits to assess the situation and determine whether the source(s) of the waste can be identified.”
It said further awareness initiatives, which are undertaken on a regular basis in hotspot areas, will be rolled out in the area to encourage responsible behaviour.
The municipality also urged members of the public to report any incidents of theft or vandalism immediately, and to be prepared to provide statements or testify in court where required.
The situation has reportedly been going on for about a year. Photo: Chelsea Pieterse
“This is critical, as cases are often difficult to prosecute when incidents are reported late or when witnesses are unwilling to come forward,” it said.
“In the interim, the municipality will continue to make affected areas safe by reinstating damaged sections with gravel. However, repeated incidents of vandalism and theft place unnecessary strain on municipal resources and delay more permanent solutions.”
The municipality said when residents report illegal dumping or vandalism, they should include as many details of the incident as possible to allow successful follow-up of the complaints.
Reports can be made to 044 606 5000, [email protected] or the Collab Citizen smartphone app.
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