ActionSA Johannesburg MMC Candidate for Public Safety, Marcel Coutriers, calls on the City of Johannesburg to take immediate action on unlawful dumping on a wetland in Cosmo City. This has allegedly resulted in blocked stormwater infrastructure, increased flooding risks and widespread disruption to the community.
ActionSA is outraged by the circumstances that have forced residents of Cosmo City to close roads and protest after repeated failures to address the blockage of stormwater drains, leaving the community exposed to flooding, damage to property and unnecessary hardship.
The community reports that a local business owner directed trucks to dump rubble on a wetland, resulting in stormwater drains becoming blocked and the natural flow of water being severely disrupted. If true, these actions represent a blatant disregard for environmental legislation, municipal by-laws and the wellbeing of the residents of Cosmo City.
ActionSA is in possession of a letter, purportedly issued by the local ward councillor, authorising the business owner to dump rubble at the site. This raises serious questions regarding the authority under which such permission was granted, whether the necessary environmental approvals were obtained, and whether due process was followed.
It is further alleged that the business owner purchased the erf from the City of Johannesburg. The City must clarify whether such a transaction took place and whether all legal requirements were complied with.
ActionSA believes that residents should never have to resort to shutting down roads simply to have legitimate concerns addressed. The City has a responsibility to protect communities, enforce the law and safeguard environmentally sensitive areas.
ActionSA calls on the City of Johannesburg to immediately:
- Halt all dumping activities at the site.
- Clear the blocked stormwater infrastructure to prevent further flooding.
- Conduct a full, independent and transparent investigation into the alleged dumping and the circumstances surrounding the purported authorisation.
- Publicly disclose the ownership status of the property together with all approvals, permits and environmental authorisations relating to its use.
- Hold accountable any individual, official or entity found to have acted unlawfully.
Anyone found to have acted unlawfully must face the full consequences of the law. While ActionSA understands the frustration felt by residents, the party appeals for calm and encourages all stakeholders to engage peacefully while the City acts with the urgency that this matter demands.
The people of Cosmo City deserve a municipality that protects communities, public infrastructure and the environment not one that allows allegations of unlawful conduct to place lives, property and livelihoods at risk.
ActionSA Calls for Urgent Intervention into Alleged Illegal Dumping on Cosmo City Wetland
ActionSA Johannesburg MMC Candidate for Public Safety, Marcel Coutriers, calls on the City of Johannesburg to take immediate action on unlawful dumping on a wetland in Cosmo City. This has allegedly resulted in blocked stormwater infrastructure, increased flooding risks and widespread disruption to the community.
ActionSA is outraged by the circumstances that have forced residents of Cosmo City to close roads and protest after repeated failures to address the blockage of stormwater drains, leaving the community exposed to flooding, damage to property and unnecessary hardship.
The community reports that a local business owner directed trucks to dump rubble on a wetland, resulting in stormwater drains becoming blocked and the natural flow of water being severely disrupted. If true, these actions represent a blatant disregard for environmental legislation, municipal by-laws and the wellbeing of the residents of Cosmo City.
ActionSA is in possession of a letter, purportedly issued by the local ward councillor, authorising the business owner to dump rubble at the site. This raises serious questions regarding the authority under which such permission was granted, whether the necessary environmental approvals were obtained, and whether due process was followed.
It is further alleged that the business owner purchased the erf from the City of Johannesburg. The City must clarify whether such a transaction took place and whether all legal requirements were complied with.
ActionSA believes that residents should never have to resort to shutting down roads simply to have legitimate concerns addressed. The City has a responsibility to protect communities, enforce the law and safeguard environmentally sensitive areas.
ActionSA calls on the City of Johannesburg to immediately:
Anyone found to have acted unlawfully must face the full consequences of the law. While ActionSA understands the frustration felt by residents, the party appeals for calm and encourages all stakeholders to engage peacefully while the City acts with the urgency that this matter demands.
The people of Cosmo City deserve a municipality that protects communities, public infrastructure and the environment not one that allows allegations of unlawful conduct to place lives, property and livelihoods at risk.