illegal dumping is a big problem at Empumelelweni

Dumisile Magagula

 The pre-school called Lithabong, which is around the community is facing a serious problem of illegal dumping. That is just in front of their gate, and it’s putting children’s health at risk and that of their teachers.  I can confirm that it’s true because I went there and I saw that for myself and it needs urgent attention. 

This is happening at Empumelelweni next to the Lithabong Pre-School, close to the gate of the Pre-School, and affecting the community of Empumelelweni in Emalahleni. This is where dumpers dispose of the waste. The smell when the sun is hot is unbearable.

I had a chat with one of the teachers and she said the waste is deposited during night-time. She also said this has been happening since 2023. In the morning they are approached by the waste with the smell of rotten meat, dead rats, papers, and disposable nappies. During rainy days the waste spreads all over the area. She said it poses a health hazard to the children and the community, including the animals, other domestics like poultry also feed themselves on that waste. It seems as if the dumpers have no respect and consideration for others’ livelihoods. 

The kids and other community members always pass next to the illegal dumping site, they complain about the illegal dumping site due to its unbearable smell. Domestic waste has not been collected since 2013, that’s the reason why people dispose of their waste once they see an open area, said the teacher. It has affected them a lot in terms of their health, children get sick, lot of mosquitoes because of illegal dumping.

The owner of the supermarket was the first to dispose of the waste, and the close community to the spot is also involved. The waste was never collected by our municipality, sometimes people burn the waste in their homes using steel drums.

The teacher wants to organize a parent meeting to once again talk about the illegal dumping spot and discuss what will be their next step because they tried to clean the area but people still dispose of their waste at night.

To organize a meeting with our Ward Councillor in Ward 23 to tell the CPW to clean that spot, because the local government is responsible for the collection of the waste.