Springs has been plagued with the issue of pollution for some time. Residents are frustrated over the refuse that piles up within the town.
The issue has escalated and public areas and points of interest are affected. Piling garbage poses not only an aesthetic problem, as Springs is no longer the beautiful and clean town it used to be but an environmental and safety hazard for locals and their children.
There have been many attempts at cleaning the town, with many initiatives and organisations banding together to get it done. Without everyone participating in keeping Springs clean, their efforts will be in vain.
Various hotspots have been identified by residents, mainly dump sites that are overflowing with garbage.
These dumpsites have been a growing concern for the locals who live nearby, as the garbage dumped outside the facility is now flowing towards residential areas and in some places, schools.
Kwasa College Pre and Primary School principal, Reverend Sharon Dinnie, spoke about her frustrations on the illegal dumping bordering her school.
“I don’t have enough time or words to express how I feel about the dumping. It’s horrendous, unsightly and emotionally unnerving. I am also worried because it is unsanitary. I am in constant fear that one day the rats and mice that gather there will make their way into my school,” said Dinnie.
“I had a function, and you know, it’s hard enough already to get people to visit Springs. To have that filthy mess at my doorstep is terrible and embarrassing for them to be greeted by that sight.”
Dinnie is not the only one who cries about the town she loves. Residents have expressed their disdain at the state of things.
“Living in Springs is a disaster. This problem poses a health concern for my children. They are exposed to used needles and other dangerous substances as they play outside. There is also a horrible stench, especially after it rains,” said Daggafontein informal settlement resident Cassandra Mthembu.
“I have children and I feel one day the pollution is going to make us sick. It honestly is not right. The municipality does not care enough about us to do something about it,” said Geduld resident Nontsikelelo Faku.
The metro has acknowledged the problem. It has said it is putting measures in place to improve the operations and the day-to-day monitoring of the operators managing the mini-disposal sites to ensure that the facility continues to service the needs of the residents.
Ward 75 Clr Mike du Toit said internal issues are prohibiting the clean-ups within the dump sites.
“I am very aware of the problem. This seems to have turned into a dispute about responsibility and we are still awaiting a plan to remove the rubbish. We have been promised tomorrow, but have been promised tomorrow several times,” he said.
