Dumped medical waste alarms Tweni residents
The discovery has ignited calls for an immediate investigation into the dumped medical waste and the broader waste management challenges.
Surgical gloves and unopened medicine boxes are among the medical supplies found dumped on Rethman Drive, Umtentweni, two weeks ago.
Motorists were alarmed after they saw a number of white bags with mortuary labels attached dumped on the side of the road.
Other hazardous waste included used bandages and medical aprons. As the waste poses a significant threat to both human and animal life in the area, residents are concerned.
The Herald informed the KZN Department of Health and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) about the discovery, and to date, nothing has been done.
Also, no comment has been received from either department, nor the waste removed.
This dumpsite is near the Umtentweni toll plaza and is a known problem spot for many years, with people dumping refuse, rubble and now medical waste.
Nazir Shaikh and Catherine Restiau from the Umtentweni Urban Improvement Precinct confirmed last Wednesday that the medical waste had not been removed.
“This is a disaster waiting to happen,” said Nazir, voicing fears that children or animals could come into contact with these dangerous items.
Ward 12 councillor Leon Garbade said illegal dumping has become a massive problem not only in Umtentweni but along the South Coast.
“In this case, I am certain that a company was paid to dispose of the medical waste through the correct channels but opted to illegally dump these dangerous items on the side of the road. We have also noticed that people from different wards will drive from their areas and illegally dump their household refuse, garden refuse and rubble in vacant plots. In most of these cases, many residents miss their bin dates and resort to dumping illegally,” said Leon.
Residents also expressed frustration over the Louisiana dumpsite’s prolonged unavailability.
A resident said: “This flagrant disregard for public health and environmental safety is unacceptable and requires immediate attention and accountability. We call on the relevant law authorities to curb illegal dumping. We also call on RNM to address both the illegal dumping and the broader waste management challenges plaguing the South Coast.”
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