MMC for Environment & Infrastructure Services Department (EISD) Cllr. Michael Sun on Thursday visited the “Koppies” area in between Eldorado Park and Devland in response to a refuse fire being extinguished by Emergency Management Services (EMS).
“The fire broke out as a result of a turf war between rival informal recycling groups and has been blazing for a few days adversely affecting the residents of Eldorado Park and Devland,” Cllr. Michael Sun said.
“We were informed by individuals claiming to be security at the site a certain ‘Mr Potgieter’ owns this land privately and that after abandoning his workers they have allowed illegal dumping to take place there for the past several months as a means for compensation.”
Even while EMS was working to extinguish the fire, informal recyclers continued with their work amid thick plumes of smoke. Which not only poses a serious health risk to themselves but also to the surrounding communities.
“First and foremost this fire must be put out so that the smoke may subside. As soon as that happens I will be dispatching Pikitup to conduct an emergency clean up operation,” Cllr. Michael Sun said.
“I will also being engaging with the department of Development Planning to establish who is the owner of this land and hold them accountable for what has transpired.”
EMS dispatched two fire-trucks and four SKID units to bring the fire under control and will remain on site until it is completely extinguished.
“I salute these brave firefighters risking their lives to battle this blaze and thank MMC for Public Safety David Tembe for acting swiftly on this matter,” Cllr. Sun said.
The department of EISD is also working towards a master plan to accommodate and support the informal recycling trade in order to prevent conflict among recyclers.
“There are certain members of the community exploiting the situation to try and gain prominence off the back of this disaster and sow divisions in this community,” Cllr. Sun said.
“Residents must not be taken advantage of and rest assured that the matter will be decisively dealt with.”
CLLR. MICHAEL SUN
MMC: ENVIRONMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
For queries, contact: Nickolaus Bauer
Deputy Director EISD – Communications & Stakeholder management
0723972269 or NickolausB@joburg.org.za
10/06/2022
