WATCH: Cason’s suffocating pollution persists despite city’s efforts
Concerns were raised about the health complications posed by the smoke, and the city’s approach to the life-threatening problem.
Since early last month, frustrated residents have been forced to endure plumes of toxic smoke and a suffocating stench from burning waste at an illegal dumpsite in the veld near Trichardts Road in Blue Sky (Cason).
People who are hard hit by the ongoing environmental poisoning include the pupils at Comet Primary School and the senior citizens at Andries Scribante Haven in Cason, as well as residents in Boksburg Central, Plantation, and Boksburg North.
Action
In response to public concern, the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) sprang into action on June 27, deploying a team of EMPD officers and municipal officials to target the air polluters.
The team found a group of scrap metal collectors rummaging through the burning mountains of industrial waste, searching for recyclable scrap metals.
To evade arrest, the scrap metal collectors – most of whom were foreign nationals -fled across the illegal landfill and into the overgrown wetland when officers arrived.
However, officers managed to arrest 10 individuals – two women and eight men – between the ages of 20 and 45.
The officers took them to Boksburg SAPS, where they were, after questioning, charged with being in the country illegally.
There’s more than meets the eye
While residents welcomed the recent blitz operation, they said those arrested were just small players in a larger illegal dumping network.
It is believed that the large-scale illegal dumping resulting in air and water pollution involves a syndicate of well-placed government officials, community leaders, and local industries.
Effective crackdown
While the smoke has slightly decreased since the operation, the burning continues, and hazardous fumes still linger in the air.
“The community and Ward 32 Clr Marius de Vos are now calling for a well-coordinated crackdown on those responsible for the ongoing environmental disaster that is steadily poisoning residents.
“To effectively address the issue, all key stakeholders, including waste management and fire departments, must collaborate and act swiftly to curb pollution from the dumping and burning of toxic waste.”
Widespread
Some readers have commented on social media, saying the Cason burning is just one of many serious pollution problems plaguing the city.
Others believe the city has lost control over widespread air pollution, alleging that some of those responsible for environmental protection may be complicit or deliberately turning a blind eye – allowing the crisis to spiral out of control.
Investigation
Concerned citizens, who have since lodged formal complaints, have slammed authorities for dragging their feet in protecting the public from the notorious dumpsite, which emits toxic smoke daily.
Speaking to the Boksburg Advertiser on site, CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini acknowledged the extent of the problem caused by the illegal landfill site. He pointed out that the city was working with other stakeholders to devise a long-term solution to illegal operations.
“We decided to come here and find out what exactly is happening. We found massive illegal dumping and other activities posing a serious danger to society. It’s something that must be acted upon immediately.
“Our long-term solution will have to involve the owners of the land, which is the provincial government. We’ve already started talks with them to see how best we can, with all the other stakeholders, solve this problem – perhaps even seal off the area.”
Also Read: Cason residents fed up with illegal dumping, fires
