Call for Gauteng motorists and communities to stop littering
Diale-Tlabela said that beyond it being unsightly and costly to clean up, roadside litter creates potential hazards for motorists and other road users.
The Gauteng Department of Transport has issued a call for motorists and communities to stop littering and illegal dumping along roads and public areas, warning that waste can create dangerous conditions leading to accidents. Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, said roadside litter and illegally dumped waste can obstruct roads, reduce visibility, and pose hazards for drivers and other users.
Communities are urged to take responsibility for keeping public spaces clean, alongside enforcing environmental and road safety rules. The department conducts routine road maintenance, including grass cutting and litter removal, and transports collected waste to licensed landfill sites. This work supports the province's circular economy goals by creating opportunities for waste pickers, buy-back centers, and recycling initiatives.
Residents must remember the Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act (GTIA) prohibits unauthorized activities on road reserves, including trading, planting crops, abandoning vehicles, and occupying without permission. Dumping litter on public roads, pavements, or stormwater inlets is prohibited and illegal dumping forces the government to divert funds to clean up, diverting resources from other critical projects.
Diale-Tlabela urged people to recognize the environmental impact of their waste disposal habits and use responsible waste management facilities. Motorists and residents are urged to report illegal dumping to authorities to maintain clean roads and public areas for everyone.
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