Municipal authorities in the Brussels municipality of Anderlecht will seek to crack down on illegal dumping and "trash importing" by ramping up their security surveillance network with 23 additional cameras, according to reports on Friday.
Anderlecht authorities identified at least 35 different "hotspots" constantly impacted by this issue, and will install the new units there in August as part of its fight against civil offences, particularly regarding the improper disposal of waste.
Additionally, authorities also seek to crack down on the growing problem of "trash importing," which sees Flemish and Walloon residents living in the Brussels periphery dump their waste into areas inside Brussels.
The new units will grow Anderlecht's surveillance network, currently made up of eight cameras spread through the municipality's streets, according to La Dernière Heure.
According to the outlet, the camera's recording system is only be activated when they detect suspicious activity. The footage is then sent directly to the municipal authorities for them to identify the offender.
"These cameras are a valuable tool to fight against the impunity of some offenders who come to drop their waste on our streets," Anderlecht councillor, Allan Neuzy, told the French-speaking daily, adding that residents were tired of the situation and demanded a solution.
The fine for illegal dumping in the municipality can reportedly climb as high as €300 per cubic metre.
Gabriela Galindo
The Brussels Times
