Illegal dumping in stormwater infrastructure leads to flooding and road damage

GEORGE NEWS - In recent weeks, George Municipality has highlighted the dangers of illegal dumping in our communities. However, a new form of environmental abuse has emerged, demanding the municipality's attention.

The reckless disposal of litter and assorted debris into toilets, storm water drains, and sewer manholes has become a pressing concern.

This not only poses a significant challenge for municipal authorities but also results in a myriad of issues for residents.

Overflowing storm water drains are generally found to be blocked by illegal materials and rubbish dumped directly into the drain, causing damage and flooding down the line.

The consequences are dire, with widespread damage and flooding wreaking havoc down the line. As the municipality grapples with this escalating problem, urgent action is needed to curb this environmentally hazardous behaviour and safeguard our community's well-being.

One of the main reasons for blocked drains and sewage spills is that the wrong items are being flushed down toilets or thrown into manholes.

Items that should not be flushed down toilets include baby nappies, sanitary pads and tampons, newspaper, cloth and fabric, fatty food or fat.

Municipal staff also regularly have to clear items such as branches, tyres, rocks, mattresses and other solid items from manholes.

So not only does illegal dumping into civils drainage infrastructure lead to flooding, but it can also cause this infrastructure to fail. Most recently the road surface and pavement structure of a newly built road showed signs of damage which had to be investigated.

It was found that the condition of the subsoil drainage contributed greatly to the failure. All of the storm water structures alongside this street were found to be filled with illegally dumped rubbish and dirt which clogged the outlets of the subsoil drains draining into these storm water structures.

The subsoil drains could not function to protect the road layer works from subsurface moisture, which is one of the factors leading to the premature failure of the road.

Preliminary estimates indicate that the repair work could cost between R1,2 and R1,8m, as the affected layer works need to be reconstructed, the road resurfaced and the subsoil drains cleaned.

The municipality appeals to communities to not flush unsuitable items down the toilet, and to help prevent people from throwing stuff down manholes.

• Report blocked storm water drains and sewerage complaints to Civil Engineering Services on 044 801 9262/66 during office hours or 044 801 6300 after hours.
• Waste should be collected in refuse bags and placed for collection on your areas waste removal days.
• Builders’ rubble and waste not suitable for bags must be dropped at the municipal refuse site on the R102 (airport road).
• If you can provide names, vehicle registration details or addresses of alleged perpetrators who have dumped illegally and you are willing to make a statement in this regard, please report it to Law Enforcement on 044 801 6350 or sprins@george.gov.za.

You don’t need a photograph of the perpetrator, but it will strengthen the case for a warning or fine to be issued.Litter in the storm water infrastructure.