The refuse removal situation in Springs has reached breaking point, and the City of Ekurhuleni has failed to provide any answers.
The Rietfontein dumping site has been closed since late February and the muncipality has failed to appoint a new contractor.
As a result, the refuse from Springs residents has been dumped at other smaller dumpsites in Selcourt and Daggafontein.
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The Daggafontein mini-dumpsite has been bearing the brunt of this and is unable to cope with the volume of rubbish being sent its way.
The Advertiser reported on the situation at the Daggafontein mini-dumpsite in early April and saw that it was filled to capacity, with all 13 skips overflowing with rubbish.
The situation has worsened as the security guards are on a ‘go slow’ protest after allegedly not being paid their full wages and have closed the gates and refuse to allow anyone in.
Residents have consequently resorted to dumping their rubbish outside the dump.
In addition, illegal dumping is on the increase, with residents who are turned away from these dumping sites resorting to dumping their rubbish in open fields, lots and at informal settlements.
“The situation is unacceptable and the metro must start answering questions from residents
“This is poor planning on their part and the people of Springs are left to deal with the situation.
“Residents here are suffering and all this rubbish poses a massive health threat.
“They need to hire the new contractor as soon as possible. It’s not possible that it takes more than three months to hire a new one,” said ward councillor Shadow Shabangu.
Shabangu said all the major dumpsites in Springs are at full capacity and refuse trucks are dumping rubbish at sites in Brakpan.
Resident and business owner Frikkie de Jager is appalled with the situation that has become a nightmare in Selcourt.
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“I went to the Selcourt dumpsite myself to dump some leaves and branches from my property.
“I saw a skip there and when I went to take a look inside, I saw it was full of rotting carcasses of dogs and cats.
“I was in the military for three years, so I’ve seen dead bodies, but this made me nearly vomit.
“It smelled like death and that stench is being blown into people’s houses,” he said.
De Jager, who has lived in Springs for 40 years, said he never thought the situation would ever get this bad.
“This a serious situation that the people of Springs need to sit down and discuss because this can become a serious health hazard if not dealt with immediately.
“With all those dead animals in one skip, who knows what kind of diseases can break loose, and then this town will have a serious problem on its hands,” he said.
The City of Ekurhuleni has not responded to the Advertiser’s inquiries.
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