To show appreciation for those who busted the most litterers and illegal dumpers in the City, officers were treated to a lunch in Sunningdale by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
Const Pierre Heneke (Metro Police), senior officer Mogamat Kader, Metro Police chief Wayne Le Roux, portfolio committee chair for safety and security Mzwakhe Nqavase, acting traffic services chief Andre Nel, and Const Luyanda Hotyelwa (Metro Police) were spoiled with lunch on Monday.
“Thank you to these officers for their efforts in helping us to gradually change the culture of littering and illegal dumping. We don’t litter in our own garden and we shouldn’t litter in our collective garden. It’s going to take time to get the culture change that we want, so I encourage all our officers to keep it up. We are going to continue acknowledging officers for their part in ensuring we have cleaner communities to enjoy,” Hill-Lewis said at the lunch on Monday.
Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith said it is incredibly positive to see the clean-ups that are taking place, but it doesn’t help if more dumping happens.
“What these officers and safety directorate have done is massively increase the enforcement, increasing fines, and impounding vehicles used in dumping, so we can have that lasting positive impact,” he said.
The City of Cape Town recently warned illegal dumpers to “watch out” when they launched the #SpringCleanCT campaign to “spring clean” Cape Town.
The City has added 300 more boots on the ground to clean Cape Town this spring, with a call for residents to get involved in community clean-ups.
24-hour toll-free hotline
To help bust illegal dumpers and litterers, a 24-hour toll-free hotline has been created for residents to report tip-offs about illegal dumping activity and other by-law infringements. Potential rewards are available from R1 000 up to R5 000 in the case of an arrest or conviction.
Those interested in joining a clean-up can get in touch with their local subcouncil, local councillor, or check for clean-up groups in your area.
Over 110 clean-ups have been organised by community organisations and ward councillors since the mayor launched the “Keep Cape Town Clean” initiative earlier this year.
Report illegal dumping
Grant Twigg, Mayco member for urban waste management said: “If you see illegal dumping, take down the vehicle license plate number and report them to us. They could be fined up to R5 000, have their vehicle impounded, or face a two-year prison sentence. For every fine and conviction, the City is offering a reward.”
The public can contact the City about illegal dumping:
- 24-Hour toll-free tip-off line: 0800 110077;
- Email: solidwaste.bylaw@capetown.gov.za.
To notify the City about dumping that needs to be cleared call 0860 103 089.
