Illegal dumping is one of the major problems that most places are faced with, like Umthambeka section in Thembisa. Umthambeka Primary School in ward 11 is faced with constant escalating smell from the illegal dumping.
Due to this, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ekurhuleni launched a ‘Keep Tembisa Clean’ campaign in November last year. They said that the objective of this cleanliness-awareness campaign is to fight against litter and illegal dumping, thus ensuring that communities live in a healthy and pleasing environment.
DA PR councillor in Ekurhuleni Clr Lucky Mokhoana said, “I have been reporting the illegal dumping issue for what seems like forever now, and it appears that the mayor of Ekurhuleni could not be bothered, as they have not dealt with this unsightly and unsanitary problem.”
“Despite many calls to the city of Ekurhuleni’s call centre, the City seems to have turned a blind eye and a deaf ear,” continued Mokhoana.
“This illegal dumping is now escalating out of control, thus exacerbating the increase of flies and rodents, which are also adding to the severe health risks that the residents are being subjected to.”
Many residents complained that they had to endure the summer heat in their homes as they couldn’t afford to keep windows open because of the smell and flies.
He explained that in order to ensure that every resident of Thembisa lives in and enjoys a healthy environment, the DA calls upon the mayor of Ekurhuleni to find a lasting solution as residents should not be exposed to such avoidable health risks.
“It is completely unacceptable that the people of Ekurhuleni have to live with and endure such horrible conditions. The MMC for Environment and Waste Management, Clr Khosi Mabaso, needs to urgently intervene and deal with this issue,” said Mokhoana.
According to the residents, the illegal dumping is a direct consequence of the lack of service delivery. Very often, rubbish is not collected for weeks on end.
“The DA will continue to highlight the plight of the forgotten. Together with the communities of Thembisa, we will help keep Thembisa clean,” concluded Mokhoana.
At the time of going to print, The Thembisan had not received comment from the metro.
