Download PDFResidents of Ext 7, Eldorado Park, Soweto, are raising serious concerns over the growing problem of illegal dumping that continues to affect the community. Large piles of waste dumped along open spaces, street corners, and near residential homes have become a common sight, leaving many residents frustrated and worried about the impact on their health, safety, and daily lives.
Community members say the dumping has become a serious problem over the past few months, with waste ranging from household rubbish and broken furniture to construction material and old appliances. In some areas, the piles of waste have become so large that they block pathways and attract stray animals searching for food.
Residents claim the smell from the waste becomes unbearable, especially during hot weather. They also fear the dumping sites could become breeding grounds for rats, flies, and other pests that spread disease throughout the area.
“It is painful to see our community turning into a dumping site,” said Maxine Davids. “Children walk past the waste every day on their way to school, and sometimes they even play near it because there is nowhere else for them to go.
They end up playing with the things that people dump in the open spaces.”
Another community member, Jessica Oliphant, said the situation has affected the image of Eldorado Park Ext 7 and is creating tension among neighbours.
“People from outside the area come here to dump their waste because nobody is monitoring the open spaces near homes and schools. We are tired of cleaning up after people who do not care about the community,” she said.
Parents in the area have also expressed concern about the health risks faced by young children.
Some community members say blocked drains caused by dumped waste have led to stagnant water collecting in certain streets after rainfall, making conditions even worse.
Elderly residents believe the issue reflects years of neglect and poor service delivery. “We report the dumping, but after a few days the waste is back again,” said community member Nicole Jacobs.
“People deserve to live in a clean and healthy environment. Most of the time, you find community members cleaning up the dumping sites, open spaces, and areas around schools.”
This article is an opinion piece submitted on 26 May 2026. The views expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect those of Karibu! Online or Khanya College. You may republish this article, so long as you credit the authors and Karibu! Online (www.Karibu.org.za), and do not change the text. Please include a link back to the original article.
