The heavy rainfall of the past few days has raised the level of the Garden Route Dam but at the same time highlighted the complications caused by the ongoing illegal dumping of material into stormwater drains. Following a flood of calls regarding storm water drains overflowing this weekend, it was found that 95% of the drains were blocked by illegal materials and rubbish dumped directly into the drain causing damage and misery to the households further down the line whose yards were flooded.

Please help reduce blocked drains and how to report illegal dumping
One of the main reasons for blocked drains and sewerage spills is the wrong stuff 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. Regular items that municipal staff have to clear from manholes include branches, tyres, rocks and other solid items which is suspected to be dropped in there by mainly children getting up to mischief.
The municipality appeals to communities to NOT flush unsuitable items down the toilet, and to help prevent people from throwing stuff down manholes. Report sewerage complaints to Civil Engineering Services on 044 801 9262/66 during office hours or 044 801 6300 after hours.

Please spread the news in your community that dumping of waste is dangerous and a health hazard. Waste should be collected in refuse bags and placed for collection on 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 and are willing to make a statement in this regard, please report illegal dumping to Law Enforcement at 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. If you notice dumped waste, please report for collection to 044 802 2900.