The City of Cape Town has concluded that there was no evidence of dumping following an incident earlier this month when a Helderberg resident came across a vehicle allegedly dumping sewage waste illegally on an open field at the corner of the N2 and Sir Lowry’s Pass Road.
Councillor Zahid Badroodien confirmed the vehicle in question belonged to Speed Vac and Plant, and was contracted by the City of Cape Town to clean sand traps citywide.
“The evidence provided did not conclusively indicate that the truck was discharging any effluent,” he said. “The inspector visited the site, scrutinised the photos provided and engaged both the company and the responsible City official. In this case, a contravention notice under the Stormwater Management By-law was issued.”
The incident occurred early in November and a resident reported it together with photographic evidence (“Concern over dumping by City contractor”, District Mail & Helderberg Gazette, 15 November).
Badroodien explained that the evidence submitted must be clear and not questionable. “In this case, the pictured truck parked near a river is not enough evidence to show that this truck was responsible for a discharge even if there is a photo which shows a wet area behind the truck. Evidence must show the actual discharge coming from the truck. If the witness is prepared to submit a statement/affidavit then further action can be taken,” he said, and added that companies undertaking such work must acquire a permit for direct discharge into a designated City of Cape Town facility. All private companies are directed to the Borchards Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP).
“All contracted services undertaking this type of work must be in possession of a valid permit and supervised by the responsible project managers,” said Badroodien about controls in place to ensure dumping does not occur.
The complainant, who asked not to be named, said he was prepared to submit an affidavit. “The irony is that I was the person who laid the complaint with the City, and to date no-one from the City has made contact with me,” he said.
