BLOOD effluent seeping from drains along the Empangeni Rail has left commuters disgusted and business owners furious.
According to reports from neighbouring businesses, Top Grade abattoir in Tanner Road is being blamed for the health hazard.
Empangeni resident Barbi Pulvenis, who had witnessed the blood ooze out the drain and congeal along the sidewalk, said it was unhygienic and posed a health hazard for shoppers and business owners.
‘I can’t begin to imagine what possible diseases or infections could be caused by this. It is unacceptable and repulsive,’ she said.
This is not the first time surrounding business owners and commuters have voiced concerns regarding the abattoir.
In March last year, the Zululand Observer received complaints of a horrendous stench emanating from the open ground behind the same abattoir.
Complainants allege that the abattoir had been using the space to discard biohazard waste.
According to both the Waste Act and Meat Safety Act, all abattoir waste has to be dumped at an approved landfill site.
Contravention will result in a fine being issued and any costs incurred by the municipality to clear any mess will be charged to the guilty parties.
Top Grade Abattoir Manager, Duppie du Preez said the issue was a municipal one and not an abattoir matter.
‘There had been a blockage along the main line as the municipality had been working on the line further up. Once the seeping started, the issue was resolved within a hour,’ said Du Preez.
uThungulu Environmental Health Unit Manager, Bonginkosi Dlamini, confirmed that the issue had been investigated and resolved by the City Engineers Department in collaboration with the abattoir.
‘The situation will be closely monitored by the Environmental Health Unit of the uThungulu District Municipality,’ said Dlamini.
