Clean-up operations begin outside the dump yard

Raw sewage and rubbish has filled the streets of the lower end of Smartiesville. A massive sewer leak in Cedar Road has caused havoc for residents over the years. Now the sewage has spilled over into their homes.

Nearby streets become dump yards

Both Cedar and Bamboo Road, the latter lying directly next to the dump yard, have now turned into a dump themselves. People have stopped going into the dump yard itself and are now just off-loading their rubbish in the streets outside.

Resident speaks out

Speaking to a resident of Cedar Road, she says that life for her and her family is unbearable. She is now looking to move out, as “I cannot live there due to the constant smell and dirt all the time”. She adds that, “We can’t open our windows or even eat in our homes. My children can’t even play outside, so now we have to move out after staying here for 20 years.”

Also read: R600 Winterton road hazardous to motorists

Councillor to the rescue

Cllr Abbas Warasally (Ward 20) took the matter into his own hands and managed to get trucks and other machinery to the streets outside the dump yard. A clean-up operation started a week ago. Speaking to Warasally, he said that people’s living conditions were terrible and something had to be done.

He added that, “So far, I am happy with the progress we have made by clearing up the roads outside the dump yard. We have gotten the rubbish into the dump yard and out of the streets.”

Obey the rules or face a fine

He says people need to follow the rules displayed on the signs at the dump yard and dump inside the premises, not outside. A hefty fine can be issued to people who are caught dumping outside. A fence will be put up soon, according to Warasally, to try and keep the area neat and tidy after the clean-up is complete.

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