Illegal dumping of garden waste, rubble, and other dangerous objects in the streets of Kimberley is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.

Over the last week, in Beaconsfield in Ward 25 there have been reports of a man dressed in orange overall pants with an allegedly stolen green Checkers trolley, clearing pavements and moving construction rubble and garden waste from Study Street and illegally dumping it in Pulinger Street.

This illegal activity is not uncommon in this area and is a hazard for both residents and motorists.

This has caused a great deal of distress to the local community and has led to the accumulation of refuse, wrappers, plastic bags, receipts, broken glass and even condoms on the street, pavement and in the veld around the area.

In an earlier incident, a large tree stump was pulled and dumped on a park across from a church, causing damage to the road surface in Frere place.

On the corner of Devenish and Pulinger road, garden waste was cleaned up from the pavement and illegally dumped in the street creating an obstruction of over a meter into the road, causing a potential hazard for motorists.

It is not only individuals who are illegally dumping on Pulinger Street, but businesses as well. Recently, a delivery truck from a building supply company was seen dumping packaging materials from the back of their truck. Unfortunately, this is not the first instance of illegal dumping by companies, as two weeks ago there was a complaint regarding a truck driver urinating in public while his assistant was littering.

This behaviour is unacceptable, and it shows a lack of respect for the local community. It is the responsibility of companies to ensure that their employees comply with the laws and regulations regarding illegal dumping and littering.

Those found guilty could face time in jail

According to the local bylaws, it is illegal to leave, spill, drop or place any matter or substance that may impede the cleanliness of a public place or cause annoyance or danger to any person, animal or vehicle using such public place. Furthermore, it is illegal to dump, leave or accumulate any garden refuse, motor vehicle wreck or spare part, building waste, rubbish, or other waste in, on or at a public place. It is also illegal to break or damage a tree in a public place, mark or paint such tree, display an advertisement on a tree in a public place, lop, top, trim, cut down, or remove such a tree. It is also prohibited to gather, sit, lie or walk in a street in such a manner as to cause obstruction to traffic, or to jostle or otherwise impede any other person using such street.

It is time for the city of Kimberley to take a stand against this kind of activity which lacks a sense of responsibility.

It is also time for the residents of Ward 25 to take responsibility for their actions and ensure that this kind of illegal dumping does not continue. If anyone is seen dumping their garden waste or any other objects in public places, not only are they committing a crime, but they are also putting the residents of the area at risk.

There are severe consequences for those who are caught breaking these bylaws, including fines and imprisonment. It is the responsibility of the local community to ensure that these laws are adhered to and to report any illegal dumping activity to the relevant authorities.

Furthermore, the community should take an active role in educating residents on the importance of keeping Kimberley clean and free from litter and illegal dumping. This can be done through community meetings and campaigns, as well as by enforcing stricter fines for those found guilty of such offences. In addition, more education and awareness need to be provided to residents and gardeners on the proper disposal of waste and the consequences of illegal dumping.

It is of utmost importance to the safety and well-being of the local community that these by-laws are respected and enforced and that everyone works together to keep the streets of Kimberley clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.