The local municipality of Dihlabeng in the Free State had warned community members who are occupying unused land to stop doing so immediately.

This comes after concerns about residents who identify the sites that are usually used as dumping sites and eventually grab them. They start cleaning these sites and ultimately use them for their benefit.

According to the municipal marketing and communications manager, Tshediso Maitse, such behaviour is prohibited.

Maitse says the municipality is happy to see the community assisting in terms of cleaning the areas but some behaviour will not be tolerated. “Some channels need to be followed before people can start turning the dumping sites into their place of [residence] or working,” said Maitse.

He urged people to consult the municipality first before thinking of cleaning and grabbing the land. “Some areas are too risky due to infrastructure built on them. There are electricity, water and petrol pipes that might cause danger to their lives,” added Maitse.

In conclusion, he urged the community to work with the municipality's Human Settlements and Local Economic Development departments to avoid unnecessary evacuation.

OFM News/Tumelo Khotha cg