Freese Road dump site woes worsen
eThekwini Municipality’s spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela apologised to the residents and said an investigation is currently underway into the alleged illegal dumping and necessary corrective action will follow.
THE disgusting stench and eyesore created by the thousands of bags of rubbish and garden refuse dumped outside Clermont Garden Refuse and Transfer Station is becoming unbearable for the community.
The irate residents are now calling for Durban Solid Waste (DSW) to take action and clear the mountain of rubbish from outside the site in Freese Road which is just a few metres away from a residential area. The community has labelled the dumping a health risk.
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“I seriously do not understand how Durban Solid Waste can leave piles and piles of rubbish lying around,” said a resident, Phayi Ndaba.
Ndaba said children are most notably at risk if garbage is dumped in a public area.
“When we got here there were children going through the bags saying they were looking for toys. Who knows what they will find there, people throw all kinds of things in the rubbish bags,” added Ndaba.
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Just down the road from the transfer station, broken furniture and glasses have been dumped.
“We have reported this. How long should people suffer, the smell gets unbearable by the day and we can not take this anymore. Someone should take responsibility,” he said.
Ndaba said the worst part is that the road portion where the dumping is taking place is the deviation route for motorists due to the construction of the new 11th Avenue Bridge.
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“The traffic is already a nightmare in the mornings and afternoons and this is going to make matters worse. Should this continue, vehicles will not be able to access this road. These rubbish bags will block the road soon,” he said.
eThekwini Municipality’s spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela said an investigation is currently underway into the alleged illegal dumping and necessary corrective action will follow.
“Arrangements have been escalated to clear the illegally dumped waste and they are in progress. We apologise for any inconvenience that may have been caused,” he said.
According to Mayisela, the City has experienced major theft at the Clermont Transfer Station of electrical infrastructure hence leading to the facility to not operate.
He said the facility will reopen once this has been fixed.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
