Illegal dumping, flooding and crumbling infrastructure have left Shaka’s Head residents furious, accusing leaders of neglecting their community’s most basic needs.

Residents say their area has been forgotten by those elected to represent them, as illegal dumping sites continue to multiply, painting the town in filth.

Ward committee member Nombuso Maduna said the issue had been repeatedly raised at public meetings, yet no progress has been made.

“Shaka’s Head is covered in filth. We want our needs to be addressed,” said Maduna.

The illegal dumping has made life unbearable for resident Bonisiwe Mhlongo, who lives near one of the sites.

“The stench is terrible. Kids play near the rubbish when we are not watching, which is unhealthy for them,” she said.

Another resident said her health had worsened because of the conditions. She claimed some residents hired vagrants to clean their toilets, dumping the waste at illegal sites – including one right next to her house.

“We tried to hire a truck to clear the site, but it could not pass through because of the electricity poles,” she said.

Although refuse is collected every Wednesday, residents say the volume of daily waste far exceeds what is picked up, leaving piles to rot.

Compounding the community’s frustration is frequent flooding, caused by poor drainage infrastructure.

RDP homeowner Busi Sithole said she and her family of seven had lost all their furniture due to repeated flooding.

“When it rains, we sleep on our feet,” said Sithole, pointing to visible water damage inside her home.

Maduna said the problem stems from inadequate infrastructure.

“We have no proper drainage systems. Our roads are too narrow and riddled with potholes,” she said.

“We want our area to be seen and taken care of.”

During a site visit, the Courier identified at least four major illegal dumping sites across Shaka’s Head.

Ward 4 councillor Jetro Banda had not commented at the time of going to print.

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