THE severe stench which has been causing grief for Mtubatuba business owners and employees for two years now is finally in the process of being dealt with.
Mavis Davies, Speaker for Mtubatuba Municipality, paid the site a visit during which photos were taken and the culprits identified.
As this is an ongoing investigation and a matter which has been handed over to the District Mayor’s office, the company that has been illegally dumping human waste into a storm water drain in Jacaranda Street cannot, at this time, be named.
Following her site visit, Davies formulated a report confirming who the culprits are and outlining their dumping practices without valid permits.
As this is a criminal offence, the relevant authorities will be notified but, for the time being, the documentation has been handed over to the uMkhanyakude District office.
The uMkhanyakude District Mayor’s office was unavailable for comment at this time.
22 NOVEMBER 2013
Mtuba’s big stink
A SEVERE stench enveloping Mtubatuba’s industrial area has had local business owners and employees sick to the stomach and looking for answers.
For approximately two years unidentified people have been dumping what smells like human waste into what appears to be a storm water drain at the end of Jacaranda Street.
After having removed the manhole cover some time ago, said individuals apparently feel it unnecessary to cover the drain, rather leaving the stench to permeate the immediate area.
Apart from the obvious legalities surrounding such activity, as well as severe health and safety repercussions, a functioning sewage works lies a mere 200 metres down the road.
Businesses in Mtubatuba’s industrial area have notified both Mtubatuba Municipality and the uMkhanyakude District office, both of whom have failed to either respond to the complaint or take action.
With such dumpings occurring on a daily basis, sometimes up to five times in one day, asthma and TB sufferers in the immediate area have long since noticed an adverse effect on their health.
After having notified Mavis Davies, Speaker for Mtubatuba Municipality, of the issue, she assured Northern Eyethu that while no such complaint has reached her desk, she will take immediate action.
It is the responsibility of the uMkhanyakude District office to rectify such issues and she will see to it that they do so.
Mavis Davies welcomed a follow-up article on this matter which will be published in the December issue.
