MUNICIPALITY RESPONDS ABOUT CONCERNS

MSAWAKHE Mayisela, the ethekwini Municipality spokesperson, said they were aware of the smoke emissions in Shallcross.

“The fire started late on Sunday night and senior management was on site early on Monday to assess the situation and engage with the residents,” he said.

Mayisela said they were yet to establish what had led to the smoke emissions, but the fire department was contacted, an excavator was brought to the site to get deep into the waste and extinguish the fire.

A big water tanker was brought to the site and tipper trucks carrying sand were brought to cover the affected areas, he said.

“The site will continue to operate for approximately two years if airspace is still available.

In response to some residents calling for the closure of the dump site, he said: “A large number of residents benefit by disposing of garden refuse there at no charge.

“Closing this site will result in illegal dumping, with residents having to drive to Mariannhill, which is a bit further away. Garden refuse disposal at the Mariannhill Landfill is also chargeable.”