
In the spirit of communal responsibility, the Umtentweni Ratepayers’ Association (URRA) has embarked on the formidable endeavour of collecting and disposing of an overwhelming quantity of refuse over the past four weeks. This initiative emerges as a valiant response to the waste crisis that has beset our cherished community.
Through the commitment of our volunteers and sponsors, alongside the industrious members of the URRA committee, we have successfully transported tons of black refuse bags to the local landfill sites. This collective action underscores our determination to restore the dignity and cleanliness of our environment.
However, we note the dissatisfaction among residents regarding the municipality’s apparent negligence in devising effective contingency plans to remedy this urgent predicament. In their frustration, many citizens have regrettably resorted to discarding vast quantities of waste on the streets of Umtentweni, thereby attracting swarms of flies, maggots, and an array of pathogens that pose a significant threat to public health.
Public health issues include: respiratory diseases via inhaling pollutants which can cause asthma, bronchitis, and aggravated allergies.
Waterborne diseases from improper waste disposal can lead to cholera, typhoid fever and diarrhoea.
Insect-borne disease from waste leads to breeding grounds for disease-carrying vectors, like mosquitoes, flies, and rodents, increasing the risks of malaria, dengue fever and leptospirosis.
Human excrement in disposed nappies can spread diseases like hepatitis A and C, E.coli and rotavirus, not forgetting the extreme harm to our environment.
Soil contamination is, however, the number one problem caused by improper waste disposal.
Ironically, despite the cessation of refuse collection services since October 25, all ratepayers have been subjected to an unwarranted increase in billing since January for refuse removal services. It appears that the billing department of the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) remains the sole entity untouched by the ongoing strike.
In a bid to address these grievances, the North Cluster Ratepayers’ Association has composed an open letter directed to both the mayor and the municipal manager; however, it is with deep disappointment that we acknowledge their silence in response to our appeals.
As leaders of our community, the gravity of this crisis rests heavily upon the shoulders of the mayor and the municipal manager. Their leadership and accountability are crucial in navigating this challenging landscape.
In the interim, URRA has taken the initiative to conduct refuse collection from a central location while also extending our services door-to-door for the elderly, the indigent, and those lacking the means to transport their waste to our designated collection point.
We extend our gratitude to the dedicated URRA team, all volunteers, and our generous sponsors for their invaluable assistance and unwavering support during this arduous period. Together, let us strive for a cleaner, healthier Umtentweni and hold those in positions of authority accountable for the well-being of our community.
NAZIR SHAIKH
Umtentweni UIP
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