Local newsNews
Community meeting to address toxic stench
Upper Highway residents are urged to attend the community meeting next Wednesday.
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THE Upper Highway Air NPO committee has called for a community meeting at Winston Park Primary School next Wednesday, 23 November at 6pm to discuss the ongoing malodour crisis in the upper Highway area.
The toxic stench which they believe is emanating from the Shongweni landfill site has affected the Hillcrest, Winston Park, Shongweni, Kloof, Waterfall, Assagay, Summerveld, Gillitts, Kwandengezi, Dassenhoek and surrounding regions.
More people have complained that the smell has worsened causing terrible headaches, burning eyes and throats, cracked lips, clogged sinuses, severe chest pains and doctors have agreed that there has been an increase in respiratory problems over the past few months.
According to Lauren Johnson, a member of the Upper Highway Air committee, the meeting was called to address residents’ concerns about the investigation into this stench.
“We want the people affected by the toxic stench to attend so we can inform them about what has been happening and the progress that has been made. Our organisation is dedicated to regaining the fresh air we once had in the Upper Highway region,” said Johnson.
Those who have experienced the air pollution are urged to submit their complaints online at www.upperhighwayair.co.za These complaints are sent directly to the Department of Environmental Affairs, eThekwini Municipality and the landfill in question.