Metal recyclers deny knowledge of Benoni ‘explosions’
Rattling windows, cracked swimming pools and terrified children are some of the effects said to be caused by regular "explosions" rocking the area of Dunswart and surrounding areas.
The City Times was alerted to explosions emanating from The New Reclamation Group metal recycling plant in Dunswart, on the corner of Main Reef Road and Commissioner Street, on the evening of June 17.
These explosions are said to have affected the area for several years.
Willow Terrace resident Malcolm White said he heard three loud bangs on the evening.
He said they happened at 6.45pm, 10pm and at midnight.
“The thing shook my whole house,” he added.
“The whole house – doors, windows – shook.
“The one at midnight woke up my three children.”
Lakefield resident Leigh Sheppard, who lives on Sunnyside Road, was shocked by the incident.
“It felt like an earth tremor,” she said.
“We all stopped and looked at each other and thought: “Goodness, what was that?”
She said some of the slate tiles on the roof of her home slid off.
Warren Lomont, of Walsh Street, in Lakefield, said he lives about 1km from the plant as the crow flies and his children were terrified by last night’s blasts.
There were also reports on the Benoni City Times Facebook page of the blasts being felt as far as Northmead and Impala Park.
The New Reclamation Group media relations officer Jethro Goko told the City Times this afternoon: “No one had any idea this was happening until now”.
He went on to say that nothing about explosions at the Dunswart site had been reported to him in the past.
He assured the community the company will work with them to address grievances.
“Reclam’s Dunswart facility was deliberately sited in an industrial area to minimise any possible negative effects of the normal workings of a recycling plant on local residents,” he added.
“Should the normal activities of the plant be inconveniencing residents in any way, as has now come to the attention of the company, Reclam regrets this.
“Consequently, the company has set up, with immediate effect, a working group to look into the matter and to come up with solutions that incorporate the vital contributions of residents, environmental management authorities and the Ekurhuleni Metro.
“The working group includes Reclam’s local management team and a public health and safety specialist.
“Once the working group has come up with the requisite recommendations, these will be made known to residents and authorities, and will be implemented without delay.”
Clr Mary Goby said a meeting will be held on June 23, at 9am, in Lakefield.
There will be representatives from Ekurhuleni.
