Sol workers scolded for illegal dumping

ACTING Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka instructed Sol Plaatje municipal workers to spend their spare time cleaning up the littered area around the Gogga pump station after they were caught illegally dumping this week.

Gcaleka was conducting a site inspection of where 11-year-old Onkarabetse Thole drowned in a stormwater canal between Gogga pump station and Riemvasmaak in Galeshewe on September 11.

The MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong, scolded the municipal workers and remarked that they “should have known better”.

Makatong pointed out that while they were supposed to uphold the by-laws of the city, they would instead encourage residents to follow their bad example.

“We expect more from you,” she added.

Makatong questioned the workers as to who had given them permission to dump there and offered to be their supervisor.

“What is the fine for illegal dumping, you should know?” she asked the workers.

Gcaleka suggested that instead of being issued with a fine, the workers should spend their free time cleaning the area.

“Signs should be erected around the site to warn the public that this is a no-dumping site”.

The municipal workers were left at a loss for words as to why they had chosen to dump the waste material at the site after they had unblocked a drain in Tyala Street.

One worker apologised and indicated that “no one” had sent them to dump there.

The driver of the municipal vehicle added that he was “only driving the vehicle” and did not know anything.

He shrugged his shoulders and added that he had only been in the employment of the municipality for two weeks.