Residents demand closure of illegal dumpsite amid rising health crisis in Durban

Communities in Durban, particularly Mount Vernon and Hillary, are raising urgent concerns over an illegal dumpsite in Chesterville that has emerged as a harbinger of health risks due to rampant air pollution. Over the past two months, residents have experienced the toxic effects of a nearby refuse fire, resulting in increasing health problems impacting the lives of hundreds in eThekwini Ward 65.

Sarah Basson, a representative from the affected communities, has taken a stand, stating that efforts to trace the origins of the smoke have led to unanswered queries directed at municipal officials. "We are trying to get clear explanations of what steps are being taken to extinguish the fire. This is affecting hundreds of homes and thousands of people," Basson said.

Residents have noted that the noxious smoke intensifies at night in lower-lying areas such as Moorleigh Road, Philhaven, Lille, and Rosewarne, exacerbating their suffering. The community is not only pleading for the fire to be extinguished, but is also advocating for enforcement of the municipality's Air Quality By-Law of 2020.

"We have been collecting information from residents who have suffered illnesses due to the toxic smoke. Some have required emergency treatment and/or hospitalisation," Basson added.

Desmond D’Sa, co-ordinator for the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), echoed these sentiments. After receiving residents' complaints, D’Sa visited the site and subsequently communicated with the municipality, stressing that pollution knows no borders. "This is impacting all communities surrounding the dumpsite that has been smouldering for weeks," he said, urging local authorities to prioritise the health of the affected populations.

eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana confirmed that the illegal landfill in the Chesterville/Ridgeview area is on their radar. "Site inspections have been undertaken by the Waste Management Directorate (WMD) and the Air Quality Directorate, and the matter has now been escalated to relevant city directorates for intervention," she said. Efforts have been made to ensure the issue receives the attention needed through the Environmental Compliance Committee.

However, Sisilana highlighted the ongoing challenges related to illegal dumping, citing its interconnected impacts. Illegal dumping not only incurs high costs for the municipality, but also results in environmental degradation of vacant lands, open spaces, and risks to human health, including fires that exacerbate air pollution and potentially flood stormwater infrastructure.

Despite the implementation of fines of up to R5,000 for violations, illegal dumping persists, creating a complex problem requiring a collaborative approach from both the municipality and community. "This is both a behavioural and systemic challenge," Sisilana noted, emphasising the need for community engagement in combating this pressing issue.

Air pollution-related concerns can be reported to the Health Unit Complaints Line at 031 311 3555.

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