City investigates medical waste dumping

THE City of uMhlathuze will investigate the dumping of used syringes and needles on the streets of Empangeni.

This after an Empangeni mother alerted the Zululand Observer on medical waste which had been disposed of in Union Street near the Empangeni Magistrate Court and the local Spar Supermarket last week.

The area which is surrounded by a copious amount of residential flats makes the street a common walkway for residents and a play spot for children, thus causing great danger to the health and safety of nearby residents.

‘We are doing a follow-up on the matter and an investigation is underway,’ said City Chief Health Practitioner Zilinidle Masango on Wednesday.

The City’s Environmental Health Bylaws state that all health care risk waste generators must have a contract with service providers who collect medical waste which is taken directly from the said premises by an approved transporter to a permitted landfill site for this kind of waste.

According to the National Environmental Management Act, any person who fails to comply by these bylaws is guilty of an offense, and upon conviction is liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years, or to both.

‘Waste can be infectious or physically harmful. These wastes must be handled carefully to prevent the spread of disease. ‘There are a number of diseases that a person may contract from such an activity but this depends on the type of waste and contamination thereof.

‘Diseases may range from Swine flu, HIV infections, gastro-intestinal infections and even tetanus. The list is endless, but it really depends on the contamination of the waste,’ added Masango.

30 SEPTEMBER

Medical waste concern in Empangeni

AN Empangeni mother has raised concern about medical waste disposed on Union Street, which is a common walkway for young children and often a rendezvous play spot.

This after syringes and needles were recently found on the pavement, posing a serious health hazard to residents of nearby flats.

‘I was walking by with my two kids when I came across syringes and needles disposed outside. Other kids playing around could pick it up and who knows what they will do with it,’ said the resident.

According to environmental health bylaws for the uMhlathuze Municipality, all health care risk waste generators such as surgeries, clinics and hospitals should have a contract with service providers. This will include collection of medical waste which is taken directly from the said premises by an approved transporter to a permitted landfill site for this kind of waste.

‘Waste can be infectious or physically harmful,’ said Chief Health Practitioner at the City of uMhlathuze, Zilindile Masango.

‘These wastes must be handled carefully to prevent the spread of disease. There is a number of diseases that a person may contract from such an activity but this depends on the type of waste and contamination thereof. Diseases may range from swine flu, HIV infections, gastro-intestinal infections, and even tetanus. The list is endless, but it really depends on the contamination of the waste,’ added Masango.

In terms of the National Environmental Management Act, any person who fails to comply with any provisions of these bylaws is guilty of an offence and upon conviction is liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years, or to both.