Arron Qhusheka Street in NY95 is an eyesore.
Image: Phiri Cawe
A foul smell and flies are a constant problem for the residents of Arron Qhusheka Street in NY95, Gugulethu.
A concerned resident, who did not want to be named as she feared for her life, said people including cable thieves, dump all sorts of waste and rubbish at the back of their houses.
She said the smell and the smoke from the cables burning, as they are stripped for their metal, make it hard for everyone in the area to even open their windows.
She called Vukani because she was frustrated and angry with the continued illegal dumping.
“We have tried to stop it but failed. I know so many of our residents have tried but nothing is happening. The smell that comes from the dumping site makes it hard for us to breathe fresh air. The stench from the napkins is killing us. There is also the smoke from those who burn the cables. I wish something could happen or as residents, we could all stand up against this.”
She said the illegal dumping site also contributed to the crime in the area as those who come to dump rubbish and burn cables see an opportunity to break into homes.
“I have an experience where I quarreled with one dumper because he was in my yard. I have noticed some peeping their noses in other people’s houses. The illegal dumping creates trouble. It is also a cause for crime in this area.”
Another resident blamed the people of the area for not fighting enough to stop the culprits.
“It is our carelessness that makes people come all the way to dump here. We must fight it on our own. No government should fight this battle for us. We live here and we are not going anywhere so we should stand up and fight illegal dumping. This is unacceptable,” he said.