Municipality strike causes a stench in Wentworth
Residents are urging various government entities to take decisive steps to address the matter.
THE ongoing strike by eThekwini Municipality employees in the Durban Solid Waste, Water and Sanitation and electricity units is causing grave concerns, leaving a stench in many Durban communities.
“As you enter Wentworth, a strong unpleasant smell welcomes you, resulting in nausea and dizzy spells. The community is stinking. Sewage is overflowing onto the road, rubbish is left unattended to for weeks and rodents are crawling onto the streets and into households,” said Maureen Rambhadursing, director of the Poor Flat Dwellers Movement.
According to Rambhadursing, this poses a significant health problem that can lead to all sorts of disasters. Just further down, at the Durban Habour, a large volume of litter, effluent and sewage has been discharged through the storm water reticulation system from a catchment area of more than 200km2 in size.
Environmental activist and journalist, Oliver Meth expressed his concern after seen the contaminated water, both in Wentworth and the Durban Port.
“This poses a serious threat to both the marine life, those who fish alongside the habour and people’s health. We could have a serious outbreak of disease, if the city does not address the striking workers issues and clean up the mess,” Meth added.
“We are urging government to arrange interim domestic refuse removal services, as a means to prevent the health issues that will arise,” said Des D’sa. The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) is calling KZN Premier Willies Mchunu together with various government entities to take decisive steps to address the matter.
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