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Suggested solutions to Arlington Tip crime crisis

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Dear Editor

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has submitted a plan to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to address the crime crisis at the Arlington Waste Disposal Site in Gqeberha,

The Arlington Tip has become a hotspot for crime over time, occasionally making it a no-go zone. This was highlighted by the recent murder of a father and son at the site, which has also seen a history of armed robberies.

Today, 03 March 2025, I was joined by DA EC Provincial Chairperson, Yusuf Cassim MPL, PE Southwest Constituency Leader, Retief Odendaal MPL, DA NMB Spokesperson for Public Health, Cllr Mthokozisi Nkosi, and DA NMB Spokesperson for Safety and Security, Cllr Jason Grobbelaar in conducting an oversight inspection at the site.

[see pictures here, here and here]

During our inspection we found a total lack of security measures at the site, including broken perimeter fencing and no proper access control at the site.

We have submitted a proposal to Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, outlining a range of solutions to address the issues at the waste disposal site.

Our proposed solutions encompass:

  • Regular, random visits by Metro Police and Security Mobile Response Units to Arlington to deter and detect criminal activity.
  • Implementation of a visitors’ register to monitor and track site access.
  • Issuing handheld radios to on-site security personnel to enhance communication and response times.
  • Regular patrols by on-site security, with a focus on high-risk areas such as dumping sites.
  • Priority repair and maintenance of the existing perimeter fence to prevent unauthorised access.
  • Installation of alarms and panic buttons to ensure swift response to security breaches.
  • Deployment of CCTV surveillance and adequate lighting to enhance visibility and deter crime.
  • Ensuring Public Health personnel are adequately staffed, equipped, and resourced, including 4×4 vehicles, to effectively monitor access control and legislative compliance.
  • Initiation of the procurement process for the construction of a minimum of two security watchtowers to provide enhanced surveillance and security.

The current security measures at the waste disposal site are grossly inadequate, exposing residents to unacceptable risks of attacks, accidents, and, most tragically, loss of life. It is the municipality’s fundamental responsibility to ensure residents can access the site safely, without fearing for their lives.

We will continue to hold the municipality accountable and demand urgent action to prevent further harm to the very people they serve.

The DA is in your corner, fighting for you. Together we can get NMB working again.

Regards

Cllr Rano Kayser
DA NMB Caucus Leader

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