Dirt suffocates residents of Lenasia CBD

Lenasia's Central Business District (CBD) is grappling with a growing pollution crisis, as its streets and sidewalks become increasingly clogged with litter and waste, posing health and environmental risks. Local residents and business owners have voiced concerns over the deteriorating state of the area, urging for immediate action to clean up the environment and restore the CBD’s appeal.

The key issues fueling this pollution problem include improper waste disposal, insufficient public awareness, and inadequate city maintenance. A major concern is the long-neglected stormwater drains, which are blocked and often misused by vagrants and informal hawkers. The absence of regular maintenance and waste management systems has worsened the situation. Many residents and businesses are now calling for more community involvement and improved municipal support to tackle these problems effectively.

Yunus Bhamjee from the Lenasia Business Forum emphasized the urgency of addressing the blocked stormwater drains, which not only create an unsightly mess but also foster criminal activity and public health concerns. He advocates for regular cleaning and inspection of drains to ensure proper functioning. In addition, Bhamjee suggests installing signage to prevent the misuse of drains and modifying their design to make them less accessible to informal users. He also stresses the need for a streamlined system to report and address drainage issues quickly.

Indiran Govender, a concerned local resident, expressed frustration over the persistent littering in key areas like Rose Avenue near the taxi rank, Camelia and Honeysuckle, and Flamingo and Rose. He believes that Lenasia’s development plans to become the "next Sandton" are being undermined by the lack of action in curbing litter and improving waste management. Despite the presence of designated dumping sites, littering remains a widespread problem, and Govender fears that the area’s image and quality of life are suffering as a result.

Community leaders, like Mohammed Azhar Bulbulia from Active Citizenry Lenasia, echo these concerns, stressing the need to prioritize cleanliness and safety in the CBD to foster a thriving urban environment. Both residents and businesses agree that a collaborative approach between local authorities, community groups, and businesses is essential to tackle the waste management crisis and ensure a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment for all.