Illegal dump site creates toxic fumes
Hillary residents lament about an illegal dump site that is a health hazard for them and appealed for the City to do something about it.
CHOKING fumes from an illegal landfill site and dump in Chesterville are wreaking havoc on the health of Hillary residents.
Complaints of headaches and sore throats, allegedly from the toxic fumes of items being set alight, are just some of the issues that are affecting residents on Huntley Road, Archie Gwillam Crescent and Robert Price Place.
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Residents have identified an illegal dump site on Dennis Shepstone Road as the main cause of the toxic fumes. The site is visible from residents’ homes which are separated from it by a valley and the M7, and it falls under another ward. Dave Laas, a resident in the area, said there have been reports that money is being exchanged to dump items at the landfill site.
“There has been a back-and-forth battle between residents and the eThekwini Municipality to shut this landfill site down. We’ve heard that there are people who are charging for people to illegally dump there. Some of our residents and members of the neighbourhood watch have also gone to the site and seen first-hand that the landfill is full of tyres, refuse and building rubble.
“What is more, there are toxic fumes that are carried across the valley by the wind, and this is a daily occurrence. We don’t know what is being set on fire, but without a doubt, every night and morning, the stench is unbearable. We have residents farther away from the dump who’ve complained, and we’ve even heard that the smell reaches Bellair. This cannot be allowed to go on and is a health hazard,” he said.
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His comments were echoed by fellow resident Andy Dyduch. “I know people who are willing to sell their homes to get away from this stench. The fumes just choke you up, and often, you just want to stay inside or not be at home because the stench is so bad. On my way to work every day, I get the smell. Urgent action is needed here, and if someone is running this illegal landfill, where money is allegedly being exchanged, they should be charged. I’ve lived in the area for 31 years, and it has only been in the last few months that the illegal dumping and illegal landfill have expanded. I also don’t know what the long-term health effects are from being exposed to these fumes,” he said.
In its comment to Queensburgh News, the City confirmed that the vacant site has been illegally used by residents and businesses to dispose of waste. Affected areas include Hillary, Queensburgh, Ridgeview and Chesterville.
“The City takes the concerns raised about the dumpsite seriously after receiving information regarding toxic smoke and fumes emanating from waste heaps. The City will follow the proper channels to deal with the matter effectively,” municipal spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said.
Also read: Illegal dumping along Sarnia Road raises ire of resident
“Ongoing efforts are being implemented, in collaboration with various municipal departments, to monitor the illegal dump site to prevent further dumping. The City plans to obtain an interdict to prohibit any further disposal on the site. Other interventions to be rolled out by the City include a public education campaign on responsible waste disposal.”
She added that there will also be increased patrols around dumping hotspots to strengthen enforcement.
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