Trash is a major headache in the small area of Hoogenoeg in Grahamstown, where dump sites are not being used properly. Some residents in this area share their view on the matter, including a street committee member and a municipality worker.

This area has 11 avenues, all served by one container that's being used for dumping. Residents nearby argue that nothing is being done by the community and the municipality to create a hygenic enviroment. When asked about why residents dump trash around the container, a community member said: "People who do that are stupid and are not used to cleanliness in their own yards." 

Does this mean that people of this area are unaware that a clean environment is a healthy one? A street committee member pointed out that the municipality is truly to blame for the bahaviour of the people. "The municipality doesn't know about time management, because they don't stick to one time to pick up rubbish. Also, one container is not enough for the entire area," he said.

The Makana municipal worker did not want to comment. 

Some community members spoken to suggested that a meeting be arranged with the relevant authorities to hear what residents have to say and educate them on how to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

Residents also said that it would be good if Makana Municipality distributed more black refuse bags and provided more containers for dumping.

As a reader, who do you think is to blame in this area, and what can be done to improve the situation?