Illegal dumping outside clinic in Primrose poses health risk to locals
“We stand in a queue in the mornings waiting for the clinic to open. The stench that comes from the rubbish is unbearable."
Wannenburg Clinic users and surrounding residents are concerned about the illegal dumping site that has sprouted opposite the clinic.
According to the community, the problem started last year in February and has been a health concern ever since.
The clinic said they are concerned about the health hazard it poses to the patients and the council needs to address the problem by identifying solutions to prevent people from dumping in the open space.
ALSO READ: Offenders for illegal dumping run the risk of getting fined – CoE warns
A mother who brings her child to the clinic, Sonto Buthelezi, said it is disturbing that there is a dumping site right opposite a health facility.
“We stand in a queue in the mornings waiting for the clinic to open. The stench that comes from the rubbish is unbearable.
“As a mother, I think of the bacteria that rubbish carries and I fear for my child’s health because you get flies all over the place. Some mornings you find they are burning the rubbish and there is a lot of smoke,” said Buthelezi.
Another patient Sipho Khoza said he uses the clinic regularly to collect his chronic medication.
“I used to come early before the clinic opened so that I could finish early but now I would rather come when it’s open so that I don’t wait outside. Arriving late also does not help as the smell is overpowering throughout the day,” said Khoza.
The illegal dumping is not only affecting those visiting the clinic but all the street vendors who sell outside the clinic.
ALSO READ: Locals can now report illegal dumping on CoE’s hotline
They said they have been complaining and begging those who dump not to do so but they never listen.
“They never take into consideration our businesses. Some come in trucks and dump their mess.
“There are also vagrants who burn the rubbish because they look for copper. They don’t put out the fires once they are done,” said vendor Mbali Manyezi.
She said they need assistance with the issue because they cannot continue working like this.
“The city once promised to clean up the area and even put up toilets but we are still waiting. They have not kept their promises.”
ALSO READ: Illegal dumping remains an ongoing issue in Germiston
She said she is worried because she runs her business next to the illegal dump site.
She called on the municipality to place a skip at the site.
“Ther used to be a skip and it helped to keep the environment clean.”
Ward 36 Clr Wendy Morgan said she is aware of the problem and has escalated it to the Ekurhuleni environmental department.
“The illegal dumping has been happening for a while now and it is a challenge. The skip was stolen and often people set the rubbish on fire,” said Morgan.
An inquiry was sent to the City of Ekurhuleni with a request for comment. At the time of going to print no comment was received
