Foul odour from refuse site sparks outrage

Residents living near the Rooihuiskraal garden refuse site are frustrated over an unbearable smell emanating from the site, claiming it poses serious health risks.

Community members are concerned that the odour has led to various health issues, with some concerned for their vulnerable family members.

George Gobey, a resident at a nearby complex, stated that the foul odour often intensified during composting processes at the refuse site.

“This is not new. It happens often and stops after we’ve complained, but starts all over again,” Gobey said.

“The unbearable smell occurs very regularly. As soon as it rains, the stench always comes back.”

He said another issue is burning that occurs at the site at night, which causes smoke to come into homes.

Gobey explained that his granddaughter, who suffers from asthma, has been hospitalised multiple times due to the effects of this smoke.

“Whenever she inhales the smoke, two days later we have to take her to hospital,” he explained.

Monica van Zyl, an Aleppo Crescent resident, said that her family has been unable to enjoy their garden due to the awful smell.

“I have a business in Panorama, and my clients also complain about the stench in the air,” she said.

She added that the increased fly population in the area is another troubling sign of the refuse site’s impact.

Ward 69 councillor Cindy Billson identified that the slow removal of debris as the primary cause of the odour.

“They are removing stuff but not quick enough, and with all the rain, the rotting is starting to happen quicker,” Billson explained.

She expressed concern that the air pollution and health implications for residents are severe.

“This refuse site is in the middle of a suburban area, and how it is maintained affects people nearby,” she added.

Tshwane metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the metro was unaware of the persistent odour from the garden site.

However, he acknowledged that compost naturally produces unpleasant odours when it is not maintained properly, especially during rainy periods.

“The odour that was reported recently was due to persistent rains affecting access for trucks to dispose of waste at the landfill site,” Mashigo explained.

He said this created a backlog that resulted in the odour.

“Currently there is manageable compost on site, and there is no unpleasant smell.”

Mashigo assured residents the city is taking steps to manage the issue.

“Proper management of the site to avoid piling of waste is essential. This is achieved by daily transporting the waste received at the site to the landfill,” he added.

“Regular maintenance practices include shredding garden refuse and daily waste removal to minimise odours.”

He also said that while there are no immediate plans to increase the frequency of waste removal, the city will take necessary actions when natural occurrences like rain disrupt operations.

Mashigo reassured residents that in normal operations, there would be no odours.

However, he acknowledged the need for the exploration of suitable detergents to mitigate any unpleasant smells that may arise during unusual circumstances.

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