I recently visited Alberton Mall and saw a shocking sight: used needles strewn about.
I spoke to someone at the Springbok Pharmacy who said it was the mall security’s problem who in turn say it’s the municipality and Springbok’s problem.
The local ward councillor is on the case, but I think this is unacceptable.
There are people all over, especially those being dropped off by taxis, and it is a massive health risk as those needles could be infected with diseases like HIV and hepatitis.
Furthermore, I googled the number for Alberton Mall’s management, but the number on there doesn’t even exist!
Concerned Alberton resident
The RECORD contacted the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality as well as Alberton Mall’s centre management for comment.
“On speaking to Redefine Properties that manages the mall for the landlord, we were advised that the parking lot belongs to the municipality,” said a representative of the Shoprite Media Team.
“We also understand there is a clinic adjacent to the mall.”
Kenny Baker from Springbok Pharmacy said: “This matter has been brought to our attention, but we do not understand why it is assumed these needles and syringes are Springbok Pharmacy’s responsibility; these can be bought at a number of outlets and this parking area is not fenced or access controlled.
“The head of Environmental Affairs did an inspection of our premises on Friday, January 5 and has seen that we follow proper disposal procedures for the needles and syringes used in our shop. We use a registered disposal company to collect these from the shop,” Baker said, adding: “Of course this is a great concern, but Springbok Pharmacy is not able to control what happens outside our premises.”
Themba Gadebe, EMM spokesperson, commented as follows:
“The pharmacies, hospitals and a medical practitioner in the immediate area surrounding the spot where the syringes were found all have proper medical waste removal facilities and procedures in place.
“The practitioners deny that the dumped waste originated from their practices.
“The dumped material was removed by personnel from the Springbok Pharmacy and Netcare Union Hospital and disposed of with their own medical waste.
“The origin and individual/practice who was responsible for the dumping of the syringes could not be determined, but the possibility that it was dumped by someone from outside cannot be excluded,” Gadebe said.
“We will conduct an awareness/health education campaign at all the medical practices in the area and focus on proper refuse removal and in particular medical waste.
“This will also include Health Care Waste Certification compliance as per the provisions of the public health by-laws.”
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