Health Issues

Lindiwe Matshiane

Name: Lindiwe Mashiane

Place: Middelburg Mhluzi (Tokolokgo)

Municipality: Steve Tshwete Municipality

Province: Mpumalanga Province.

Health issues

#HEALTHRISK

Mhluzi is a township in Steve Tshwete Municipality in Mpumalanga Province, it has nineteen (19) sections/sub-suburbs.

Mhluzi is surrounded by 5 coal mines with one sand mine and one Municipal dumping site, All these operations are on the western side of Mhluzi.

When operations like blasting take place, most of the air pollution goes into residential areas. This is irrespective of wind blowing direction, it’s because the community stays on a lower level. That is the eastern part of the industries. This operation results in health risks, also the dumping site is next to SHANDUKA MINE. At the dumping site there are scrap collectors whose lives might be in danger because of the dust that comes from the mines, also in terms of safety SHANDUKA mine has not been barricaded or fenced.

This matter was brought to the attention of the mines, but the mine said they would do something about it, to-date nothing has happened as always empty promises.

Due to the high rate of unemployment, Waste pickers can’t be stopped. Advice given by the community to Waste pickers is to wear protective clothing and be protected by all means, and be safe at all times.

Action to be taken is to involve the Municipality & DMRE for compliance with health & safety and monitoring.

 

#AWARENESS & MONITORING FOR HEALTHCARE.