The condition of Eastleigh’s industrial area has again been highlighted, bringing into scope the impact that the recyclers have on the area.
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Over the years, the area has deteriorated as the activity of the recyclers, who try to sustain themselves, continues seemingly unabated.
Eastleigh businesswoman Shirley Horak contacted the NEWS to highlight her concerns.
Horak, who works on Plantation Road, believes the activity of the recyclers, specifically near the Eastleigh Spruit, is out of hand.
The area identified by Horak is at the stormwater culverts where the spruit passes under Plantation Road.
According to her, a palisade fence meant to keep pedestrians out of the spruit was damaged and collapsed last year during a heavy storm.
As someone who has lived in Edenvale for almost 40 years, she said the deterioration in service delivery is disgraceful.
She said since this happened, the recyclers used the river bank between the spruit and Plantation Road to sort through their material.
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“Not only are they polluting the river, but they will cause blockages. This matter must be highlighted,” said Horak.
One of her greatest concerns, if nothing is done, is that the debris left by the recyclers will contribute to flooding.
“In 2016, we were 1.3m underwater during the floods. In February, we normally have heavy rains, so that could happen again.
“The psychological effects of the floods were devastating.”
She said if a large storm were again to occur, it would wash all the litter and debris into the spruit and create a large blockage.
“Although there have been some improvements at the Central Avenue bridge, it won’t be enough if the spruit is blocked.”
Horak urged the municipality to do something soon and clear the debris.
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Although she understands that the recyclers are only trying to earn a living, Horak said work needs to be done in an environmental manner that does not impact the river or the environment.
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