Honey Valley dumpsite cleaned up

KNYSNA NEWS - With the growing tendency of illegal dumping in Knysna's informal settlements, Knysna Municipality has called on the community to report such acts to the municipality.

Last week, Knysna-Plett Herald (KPH) reported on medical waste such as drips, among other waste, being dumped in Honey Valley in Concordia and that residents are concerned for especially the health of the children who often play in the area.

On Thursday, municipal employees visited the area and cleaned it.

Responding to questions, municipal spokesperson Christopher Bezuidenhoudt said the municipality is currently investigating who the perpetrators are. "We are also in the process of appointing a contractor to clean all illegal dumping sites within the greater Knysna area. Constant monitoring will be done and these sites will be cleaned regularly while we ensure that the illegal dumping by-laws and their appropriate fines are enforced," Bezuidenhout said.

He also called on Knysna residents to report illegal dumping.

The site at Honey Valley in Concordia, Knysna before the clean-up last week. Photo: Loyiso Mbambisa/Facebook

Honey Valley resident Cynthia Mbatha confirmed that municipal workers had cleaned the area on Thursday. "I wish they can do this constantly and put up boards that will stop people and businesses from dumping in their area," she said.

Another resident, Luzuko Twani, said he will from now on report anyone who dumps something in their area.

Before the clean-up, resident Loyiso Mbambisa, who had posted pictures of the site on his Facebook page, said, "The municipality has given us a green light. I will report these people so that they are fined. Our children are playing in those dumpsites and who knows if they do not eat the expired and rotten food."

How can you help?
Report illegal dumping on 081 556 9374 via WhatsApp or contact the municipality on 044 302 6300.

The Honey Valley site after it was cleaned of illegally dumped medical and other waste. Photo: Tembile Sgqolana