The MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD), councillor Mpho Moerane has apologised to the residents affected by the foul smell and smoke emanating from the Panorama Compost site in Allen’s Nek.
The burning compost has been smouldering for weeks on end following an explosion at a substation on 28 September which ignited the waste material at the plant. The smouldering compost has left numerous residents reeling despite intensive efforts to extinguish the fire.
The City has since established that the affected communities are in Wards 70, 83, 85, 89, 97 and 126.
“To these communities, the MMC conveys his sincerest apology,” Stan Itshegetseng, the EISD communications officer relayed.
The MMC gave an update regarding the work already done to extinguish the fire.
“Since the fire broke out on 28 September, Johannesburg Emergency Services has been hard at work to contain the fire and billowing smoke. We have since employed expertise services from other departments and related institutions, such as Working on Fire (WoF), which have a wealth of experience in firefighting.
“All our senior managers are permanently on-site to assist and unlock blockages towards the speedy resolution of the challenges we are faced with,” he explained.
He added that the EMS is monitoring the situation day and night, and they are advising that it might take another week or more before the billowing smoke is something of the past.
“The City will continue to deploy the necessary resources to make sure the fire is put out,” he assured, adding that the affected communities and residents will be updated on their progress through their councillors and other media platforms.
He further expressed his appreciation for the cooperation by the communities and all partners, and encourages all to continue to report any fire that may break out in the city.
