Rehoboth residents urged to stop illegal dumping

The Rehoboth Town Council has called on residents to take greater responsibility for waste disposal, warning that illegal dumping of waste, including nappies and sanitary pads, is undermining efforts to keep the town clean and healthy.

The council says areas cleaned by municipal teams are sometimes turned into illegal dumping sites again the following day, raising concerns about residents' attitudes towards sanitation and environmental responsibility.

In an appeal to the community, council spokesperson Desire Pieters said maintaining a clean environment is not only the responsibility of the municipality but also residents, businesses, schools and community organisations.

She said it is “discouraging when the same areas cleaned by our teams are used as illegal dumping sites again the following day. This undermines the work being done and shows a disregard for the collective efforts of our community.”

She urged households to dispose of used baby nappies and sanitary pads responsibly, warning against dumping them in streets, riverbeds, drainage channels and public open spaces.

“Environmental health and managing our environment is our mandate as a council, but we cannot do it alone. We need all our stakeholders and residents to work with us to keep Rehoboth clean and healthy,” Pieters said.

She added that council was working towards introducing and enforcing appropriate regulatory measures and penalties for illegal dumping, subject to applicable legal and institutional processes.

Residents have also been cautioned against burning household waste in open spaces because of the associated health, environmental and fire risks.

Clean where you live

The council's appeal forms part of its broader efforts to strengthen environmental health, sanitation and community development through its 'Mayoral Clean Where You Live Clean-Up Campaign', launched in May.

Running throughout the year, the campaign seeks to mobilise residents, businesses, schools and community organisations to take collective responsibility for keeping neighbourhoods and public spaces clean.

The municipality has strengthened partnerships with community organisations, including Helping Souls in Block H, Block Home and the Lions Club, to conduct cleaning activities and raise awareness about personal hygiene and responsible waste disposal.

Council further supports organised community cleaning initiatives by providing refuse bags, gloves and masks, subject to availability. In an effort to encourage long-term behavioural change, the council's environmental health division, in collaboration with the mayor's office, has established environmental clubs at all four high schools in Rehoboth.

Rehoboth junior councillors serve as ambassadors for the clubs, encouraging learners to promote environmental protection and responsible waste management among their peers and communities.

Meanwhile, the council maintains an established refuse collection schedule, with Volstruisvlaktes serviced on Fridays. Residents who experience missed collections are encouraged to report them to the environmental health division for follow-up.

Partnerships

The municipality has also been selling refuse bins since 2025 and continues to encourage households to acquire suitable containers for hygienic waste storage and efficient collection. However, the council acknowledges that financial and operational constraints continue to affect its ability to maintain an effective waste management system.

To address these challenges, it has submitted concept notes and funding proposals to potential development partners and funding institutions to improve the waste disposal facility and procure appropriate waste management machinery and equipment.

The council is also working towards finalising its solid waste management policy and occupational health and safety policy.

In addition, its environmental health division has introduced a medical surveillance programme for employees working in high-risk environments, while arrangements are being pursued to provide hepatitis B vaccinations to relevant employees.