WATCH: Cringe-worthy fly infestation in Letamo – residents in fear of filth
"The flies are at insane levels, even with all windows and doors closed, our houses are full of them, and we are effectively slowly poisoning ourselves just to survive."
For years, the residents of Letamo Estate in Honingklip have been plagued with an intense and disgusting fly problem.
Residents blame the chicken farms in the area and with the listeriosis outbreak being blamed on chicken meat among other causes, it is worth mentioning that the residents believe the chicken farms in the area are not adhering to the health regulations.
Photo: Submitted.
Ian Labram, a resident of the area, has been trying to get the authorities to visit the farms to inspect them, but to no avail.
Labram and other parties involved said the non-compliance of the chicken farms caused the following problems:
• Health risks to the public
• Apparent water pollution
• Sound pollution from the new fan systems
• Residents cannot sell their homes due to the extensive fly infestation – property devaluation
• Terrible smells emanating from the farms
• Loss of revenue for businesses
• Reputational damage to the area in the Cradle of Humankind
• Increased costs associated with fighting the fly epidemic
• Loss of quality of life
According to Labram, the responsibility of enforcing the by-laws lies with the West Rand District Municipality (WRDM).
Labram claims that the manure is not removed every seven days from all the chicken houses, nor are the chicken houses enclosed to limit the access of flies and moisture to the existing manure.
This has been going on for more than five years and it is now worse than ever.
Zillah Maguire, ward councillor for the area, said it is terribly concerning that the WRDM has yet to do something about the fly issue.
Photo: Submitted.
The News has contacted the Health and Safety Department of the WRDM and is waiting for feedback.
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