Illegal dumping sites

Residents of Ward 3 (Mandela Village) are blaming Thaba Chweu Local Municipality (TCLM) for failing to manage its waste-removal system.

A stink is hanging over the area. Even a dead dog was dumped, which has since been burned.

Steelburger/Lydenburg News visited the area and found it in total chaos. No compacting has taken place and rubbish is strewn along the road. According to residents of Ward 3, this has been going on for the past five years and has been repeatedly reported to the municipality.

Gifted Mandlazi, owner of a fish and chips shop in the area, told the paper that the stench coming from the waste is unbearable. “My customers no longer support my business because they say my food is contaminated. How can I sell in a place like this?” he asked.

Another shopkeeper, Sphamandla Zweni, said he is losing business because of the stench coming from a dumping site nearby.

“We are afraid that this also poses a serious danger to our health, especially our children who play in the dirt every day,” he said.

Another resident said they can not even open doors and windows, and always stay indoors because the smell is unbearable. While the newspaper was talking to the residents, another person could be seen illegally dumping his waste.

Residents also complain about the picking up of waste. They say sometimes waste is left behind and scattered all over.

The wards’ youth organisation, I am for My Peers secretary, Percy Maila said they are disappointed with the leaders who the community has elected. They are failing to take responsibility.

“Our ward councillor fails to prioritise the green right, which is the right to a clean environment and health-based society,” he said.

He added that public participation should not be a way of breaking leaders down but rather be a tool which will help them draw attention in situations like this.

The newspaper asked TCLM what is it doing to combat illegal dumping in its communities.

Communications spokesman for TCLM, Puleng Mapheto said it is unfortunate that members of the community are dumping waste where they know that it is illegal and a health hazard.

“The municipality has a schedule on waste collection and we strive to adhere to it. Members are discouraged and urged to refrain from this activity. We managed to procure two waste trucks and are anticipating delivery next week.

“Partnerships with members of the community will enable us to win the waste battle and improve our living conditions,” Mapheto said.

He added that in terms of municipal waste by-laws, it is illegal to dump waste where is not permitted. Anyone found dumping will be eligible for heavy fines or possible prosecution.