As the winter season is fast approaching, locals who do not have access to heat often revert to making fires in public spaces like landfill sites or in areas where they dwell. The smoke and toxins released are not the only points of concern for residents but the safety hazards that arise from it.
A resident who chooses to remain anonymous told Bloemfontein Courant that he opened three cases with the South African Human Rights Commission about the fires in and around the landfill sites within the city. He said the air quality in Bloemfontein is poor, as it is most of the year. “It gets much worse during winter when tyres and trash are also burned for heat,” he said.
Ward 18 councillor, David Mc Kay, agreed that as winter is upon us both the landfill sites have already been set alight by recyclers who dwell there. “The problem is that the toxic fumes and thick black smoke that emanate from the landfill site have a devastating effect on the health and lives of the surrounding suburbs. Depending on which way the wind blows, the looming black clouds deposit ash and toxins that can be visibly seen as a thin layer of ash covering vehicles and plants the next morning,” he explained.
Ward 44 councillor, Selmé Pretorius, confirmed reports of smoke and fires at the Northern Landfill Site. However, “It must be made clear that it is not an official practice from the Metro to burn any waste at a Landfill Site. It is alleged that the fire that broke out on Sunday was caused by waste pickers burning wires illegally on the site,” she noted.
Pretorius further said that in the past years, fires were started by acts of sabotage due to industrial and labour actions. People on the site also made fires for purposes of cooking or to stay warm during colder times of the year. According to her, a motion has been submitted to advise the metro to manage the site better, especially concerning fires. “Be assured that this remains one of our highest priorities and more specifically for me personally. We will continue to do everything in our power to get this issue resolved to ensure a better and healthier quality of life for our residents.”
In the meantime, she urges residents to be careful when starting any fire and to report fires immediately to the relevant authorities. “Residents must please make sure that warm and hot ash is not dumped at any of the landfill sites or public spaces,” she advised.
Gypseenia Lion
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