Residents of Amalinda’s Stoney Drift area yesterday called on Buffalo City Metro (BCM) to stop the burning of the dumpsite.
Yesterday morning residents woke with toxic smoke hovering over their homes as the dumpsite burnt yet again.
They said there had been three days of smoke, but it worsened yesterday.
Nomliliso Nkatha of Thixo Ulungile creche, adjacent to the site, said the the situation was affecting the children.
“We have children here who are as young as one, who are constantly inhaling this smoke. This is affecting them and the local community residents are most affected. We so wish that the municipality can prioritise this place and make permanent plans.”
Nkatha said when the site burnt, toxic fumes hung over the suburb for days.
“Remember there is rubber, chemicals and paint that is dumped here by builders every day. Once that is burning, we inhale the smoke. It’s been two or three days now.”
Asthma patient Kulile Mbane said it was difficult for him to sleep at night once the tip catches fire.
“I struggle to sleep and this is killing me,” he said.
Yesterday a fire engine with two firefighters battled the flames throughout the morning.
BCM public safety director Steve Terwin was also there to monitor the situation.
When the Dispatch team arrived, trucks and tractors that work on the site to remove the rubble and garden refuse to Berlin Roundhill site were standing far from the burning site.
BCM spokesman Thandy Matebese said that by yesterday afternoon the fire was under control.
“The fire was controlled by the fire team but here and there you could still see smoke,” he said.
Businessman Mawande Sinalo, who was collecting rubble from the site, said he was worried about young children living in shacks near the area.
“For now, the kids won’t feel anything and they will play around but later in their lives this will catch up with them. The metro should have a permanent solution to this otherwise later they can be sued,” he said.
Another resident, who only introduced herself as Michelle, said many people were selling their homes because of the “constant smoke from the area”.
“… everything just smells. Our colleagues at work don’t even mind as they know our area is the worst place to stay in in East London. Some people have moved while some have had enough,” said Michelle.
By 2.30pm yesterday, there was still smoke coming from the site. — bonganif@dispatch.co.za
VIDEO: BCM urged to solve tip fire hazard
Yesterday morning residents woke with toxic smoke hovering over their homes as the dumpsite burnt yet again.
They said there had been three days of smoke, but it worsened yesterday.
Nomliliso Nkatha of Thixo Ulungile creche, adjacent to the site, said the the situation was affecting the children.
“We have children here who are as young as one, who are constantly inhaling this smoke. This is affecting them and the local community residents are most affected. We so wish that the municipality can prioritise this place and make permanent plans.”
Nkatha said when the site burnt, toxic fumes hung over the suburb for days.
“Remember there is rubber, chemicals and paint that is dumped here by builders every day. Once that is burning, we inhale the smoke. It’s been two or three days now.”
Asthma patient Kulile Mbane said it was difficult for him to sleep at night once the tip catches fire.
“I struggle to sleep and this is killing me,” he said.
Yesterday a fire engine with two firefighters battled the flames throughout the morning.
BCM public safety director Steve Terwin was also there to monitor the situation.
When the Dispatch team arrived, trucks and tractors that work on the site to remove the rubble and garden refuse to Berlin Roundhill site were standing far from the burning site.
BCM spokesman Thandy Matebese said that by yesterday afternoon the fire was under control.
“The fire was controlled by the fire team but here and there you could still see smoke,” he said.
Businessman Mawande Sinalo, who was collecting rubble from the site, said he was worried about young children living in shacks near the area.
“For now, the kids won’t feel anything and they will play around but later in their lives this will catch up with them. The metro should have a permanent solution to this otherwise later they can be sued,” he said.
Another resident, who only introduced herself as Michelle, said many people were selling their homes because of the “constant smoke from the area”.
“… everything just smells. Our colleagues at work don’t even mind as they know our area is the worst place to stay in in East London. Some people have moved while some have had enough,” said Michelle.
By 2.30pm yesterday, there was still smoke coming from the site. — bonganif@dispatch.co.za
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