Mosquitoes plague residents of Booysens informal settlement
Residents fed up with the stagnant stream of water where mosquitoes are breeding.
RESIDENTS of Booysens informal settlement are angry about a stagnant stream of water that is full of rubbish and has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. It is also the source of an unbearable stench.
The residents suspect that a burst water pipe gave rise to the stream.
One of the residents, Mpho Sunduza, told the COURIER they have sleepless nights because of the mosquitoes.
“When it rains the stream gets full and the mosquitoes feast on us. Our children now and again get sick and the clinic is far from us.
“The smell also adds to the problem as the whole block smells to the extent where one can’t even inhale,” said Sunduza.
Residents said some of their neighbours fled their homes because of the conditions.
The COURIER was also told one of the children was found in the stream, but fortunately he sustained no injuries.
Mosquito problem
Some residents said they tried putting blankets and boxes on the roofs of their homes, but the mosquitoes find their way in.
“Our concern may seem light, but it’s killing us. All we need is the councillor to help us.
“We don’t have a clue how to solve this problem and the mosquitoes are growing in number,” said Sunduza.
Disgusting smell
Residents believe that if rubbish bins were placed around the settlement, it would help alleviate the situation.
Alfred Matjeng, another resident, said people dump dead dogs and rotten goods in the stream and the smell harms them.
“My concern mostly is the little ones and the elderly people.
“If this matter isn’t solved, our health will be at risk,” said Matjeng.
Councillor comments
Councillor Mongameli Mnyameni said he reported the matter to the relevant departments but nothing was done.
“JRA (Johannesburg Roads Agency) was supposed to come and open the water channel so that it doesn’t discharge onto people’s houses, but they didn’t come and attend to it.
“But there was a challenge for the trench digger to enter the settlement because there was not enough space for it to pass through.
“Some people were supposed to remove their shacks to make room, but they didn’t.
“Now that we are facing the rainy season it is going to be a serious problem. I asked Pikitup to put enough skip bins around the settlement, but there was no action from the City of Johannesburg,” said Mnyamani.
