Illegal dumping is proving to be health threat to Durban West residents.Image: Elitshanews
(The Post News)- Durban West residents from Hillary, Westville, and Chesterville have been complaining in the last month about a strong smell in the air.
The residents had complained that they had developed a cough and breathing issues.
With the help of aerial footage, it has been revealed that somewhere behind Westville prison in Chesterville was an illegal landfill site.
A mixture of building rubble, old fencing, furniture, old tires, and several spots of smouldering refuse were found and have been reported to the local ward councillor, who then reported the issue to eThekwini city officials.
A city fire engine was sighted extinguishing burning waste at the site on Tuesday, August 13.
Before setting up a landfill, South Africa requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be carried out.
This process, mandated by the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, helps identify and assess potential risks like air pollution, soil and water contamination, and damage to local wildlife.
The goal is to manage these risks with practices that protect the environment and public health.
Samantha Windvogel, Hillary ward councillor, said that she had received a call from city officials on Wednesday, August 14, saying an official had given her feedback that teams were on the ground addressing the matter.
She suspects that waste disposal companies are paying residents in exchange for illegally dumping waste, which would cost a lot more if dumped through prescribed means.
Windvogel says that the metro has been summoned to track down these people.
She continues, saying that she went on to ask that a mandate be sent out within a time frame as there are innocent lives that are at risk due to the hazardous waste that is being burned.
The official then shared with Windvogel that a directive had come directly from the mayor and that a team composed of members from many city departments had until Friday, August 16, to have the matter sorted out.
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