HELHOK - Clarke Estate residents kick up stink over morsige dump site in flat block

RESIDENTS in Clarke Estate, Elsies River, are kicking up a stink over sewage overflow and illegal rubbish dumping at an old bin hokkie that is now a hideout for drug addicts and criminals.

​A resident who wants to protect her identity said that she is keelvol of mense dumping vullis behind the block of flats where she lives.

​The resident, who suffers from a chronic illness, added that the old bin hokkies, where the bins used to be stored, are now a hotspot for criminal activity.

​She explained: "We have a big problem here, it is dirty and it stinks. 

“This issue has been ongoing since last year, and it’s still the same thing. I told the councillor to demolish that hok where the bins used to be because we in the flats have rubbish bins which are kept downstairs and emptied every week. 

“The issue is everyone is dumping their rubbish there, but now we have to live in the dirt. 

“Drug addicts burn copper, smoke inside that hokkie and also dump their stuff there. What if that whole hokkie burns down or someone dies. Must things first get worse before the situation is resolved?”

​Ward councillor Charles Esau said that he is aware of the matter and is working towards getting it resolved.

​He said that he had janitors clean the dirt on Monday morning, but the issue is that residents are continuing to dump

​Esau said: “We have a problem with the drainage system. 

“People are coming from all over and doing illegal dumping there. We have janitors in the area who are cleaning up. But once we clean there, then they dump again. 

“People don’t put their bins out on time and don’t use the bins provided for them.

​"I have escalated the matter to have the bin structure demolished and spoke to the MEC on Monday morning, who mentioned that they need a demolition certificate.”

​The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Carl Pophaim, said they are working on the problem 

He added: We anticipate receipt of the demolition certificate before May 2026.

“We are, however, of the opinion that demolishing the refuse huts will not alter the behaviour of illegal dumping by occupants of private residences and informal structures in the immediate vicinity.”