Honeysucker leaves bad smell in the air
Warren Boettger of Carsdale Farm outside Empangeni, told the ZO that a honeysucker truck dumped three loads of what he believed was sewage
A FARM owner and his family have been tortured with the smell of waste and an increase of flies after numerous illegal dumping incidents that have been taking place at a neighbouring property.
Warren Boettger of Carsdale Farm outside Empangeni, told the ZO that a honeysucker truck dumped three loads of what he believed was sewage. The recent incident took place two weeks ago.
‘At first I did not know what they were dumping and I when I saw the truck returning, I asked my son to go over and take a look. I did not know where they came from or who gave them permission to dump on that property because at the moment we are trying to restore the natural vegetation.’
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Boettger said that in general, the area had become a popular dump site for Empangeni residents and the pollution runs into a stream and nearby dam used by a number of people.
‘People often come here and dump all kinds of waste which then has to be cleared off. Not only is it becoming unsafe but surrounding areas of the farm are also filthy. ‘
The ZO contacted the company accused of dumping sewage on Tuesday. The owner of Dlula Services, Robbert Vidima, denied the accusation. According to him, the substance that was discharged from his truck was not sewage but rain water.
‘A friend of mine was in the process of building a septic tank but when it rained, the water flooded the concrete. He asked me to remove the water as a favour. I then told my driver to dump that water, not knowing that he would take it to the farm.
‘I was contacted by the uMhlathuze Municipality and we all visited the site. I told them that this was an isolated incident that would not happen again,’ said Vidima.
City communications and marketing manager Mdu Ncalane confirmed the matter was investigated.
‘The city has investigated the matter and managed to identify the transgressor. The transgressor will be served with a compliance notice since he does not have a permit to discharge effluent.
‘The transgressor will also be issued with a permit holder application procedure. The City of uMhlathuze also visited the site and could not find any visible traces of sewage nor any odour and the extent of the pollution could not be verified. The City has no contract with the transgressor.’
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