THE long queues and foul smell emanating from the Mariannhill Landfill Site have lead to a growing number of complaints from residents and businesses.
When the Wyebank and Springfield landfill sites were closed, business owners and residents from Durban and Upper Highway areas were forced to use the Mariannhill Landfill although it was inconvenient for many because of the traffic, long queues and the distance.
One of the business owners said they are losing money due to the long queues at the Mariannhill Landfill Site.
“This has had a negative impact on our businesses. One time I had to wait for two hours in the line which cost me two other jobs I had on the day,” he said.
Commenting on the long queues, Tozi Mthethwa, head of communications at eThekwini Municipality, said the closure of landfill sites has resulted in an increase in traffic to the Mariannhill Landfill particularly during peak times, however, there are alternative landfill sites that can be utilised to alleviate long waiting periods at this particular landfill site.
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“Customers bringing in garden refuse, builders rubble and or sand/cover material are reminded there are alternative landfills that can be used such as the Shallcross Garden Landfill site and or the Bisasar Road Landfill which is still open to these types of waste streams. Bisasar Road has not closed, but stopped accepting municipal solid waste but now strictly accepts garden refuse, builders rubble and or sand/cover material only.
“Customers are encouraged to evaluate their access routes and consider the viability of servicing these alternative sites as opposed to queuing delays over peaks times.”
Mthethwa said it has always been a requirement of the City to have a succession landfill for the Mariannhill area. A proposed site is pending final approvals.
Residents concerned about their property value
Mariannhill Park resident, Helene Vice said they are trapped in their own homes because of this smell and have been forced to shut their doors and windows to avoid the odour.
“This smell started in 2016 around September till now, and its getting worse. Depending on the weather, sometimes its early in the morning and other times we smell this unbearable odour.
“Sometimes it is so bad and smells like a decaying body,” said Vice.
ALSO READ: Wyebank dump closure worries small businesses |
Last year in February, Vice said she along with the ward councillor, Stanley Buthelezi had a meeting with the management at the site.
“We were told that because of the closure of other landfill sites, they have additional waste and they are going to dig trenches. We really need the municipality to intervene and help us before our properties which we have invested in lose their values.
Mthethwa admitted that the site has been receiving odour complaints from the surrounding community.
She said the influx of additional waste to the site following various landfills is seen to be the contributor to the odour.
“While this is the case – the number of complaints received were abnormal over the festive period. The teams have actioned the various challenges faced
and mitigation plans have been put into progress.
“There has been an improvement and this is continually being reassessed. Durban Solid Waste apologises for any inconvenience caused as a result of this and assures the complainants that odour management has been given high priority for intervention and this is on-going.
ALSO READ: Wyebank dumpsite closure cause havoc
She advised customers all garden refuse, builders rubble and sand/cover material should be left at:
o Bisasar Road Landfill
o Shallcross Landfill
o Lovu Landfill
o Buffelsdraai Landfill
General Waste:
o Lovu Landfill
o Buffelsdraai Landfill
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