A NEWLY discovered illegal dumpsite behind a truck depot on Sunderland Road in Cato Manor has sparked concern among local and neighbouring residents, who fear it could become another environmental and health crisis similar to the smouldering Umkumbaan Drive site.

The Umkumbaan illegal dumpsite has plagued surrounding communities for months, with persistent smoke and a foul odour affecting areas, including Chesterville, Cato Manor, Glenwood and Umbilo. Despite ongoing efforts to extinguish underground fires, the problem remains unresolved.

Ward 33 councillor Fran Kristopher, who visited the Umkumbaan Drive site on Friday, said the issue has persisted since October last year. “This has been ongoing since October, when councillor Samantha Windvogel initially highlighted the matter,” said Kristopher. “The City has deployed an excavator to conduct deep excavation, while the fire department hoses down fumes trapped within the soil crater. However, once the hosing stops, the smouldering fumes start up again.”

While inspecting the site, Kristopher said she witnessed a truck illegally dumping building material — including paint, wood and debris — at another concealed dumpsite behind a truck depot on Sunderland Road.

Also Read: Umkhumbaan dumpsite identified as source of ‘toxic smell’

“The vehicle registration details were recorded and handed over to authorities for prosecution,” she said. “It is believed to belong to a well-known trucking company linked to previous footage obtained at the Umkumbaan site.” Kristopher warned that failure to act swiftly could result in two major illegal dumpsites in close proximity.

“If this is not curbed now, the consequences will be catastrophic for surrounding residents and the environment,” she said. “People are already reporting health issues such as coughing, skin allergies and other ailments due to toxins released by the fumes.”

The City confirmed that investigations into illegal dumping in the area are ongoing. Inspections have revealed that the dumped material consists mainly of mixed waste, including building rubble, garden refuse, domestic waste and some commercial waste.

“At this stage, no fines or arrests have been finalised,” said municipal spokesperson Gugu Sisilana. “Enforcement action will be taken where sufficient evidence is established, in line with applicable legislation.”

Also Read: Illegal dumping raises concerns in Umbilo

Sisilana added that the eThekwini Municipality is aware of allegations that money may have been exchanged to allow dumping, including claims that residents charged fees for access.

“At present, no evidence has been confirmed to substantiate these allegations,” she said. “Investigations are continuing, and any proven wrongdoing will be dealt with through the appropriate legal and enforcement processes.”

“Efforts are being strengthened to identify offenders across the value chain, and action will be taken against any entity found to be contributing to illegal dumping,” she added.

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