Despite Councillor Naeem Patel refusing to acknowledge the Laudium based, Concerned Community Forum (CCF), the forum continues to make strides.
This, despite Cllr Patel attempting to block the forum in engaging with politicians aligned to the ANC and many Council officials ‘without his consent,’ concerning matters in ‘his Ward.’
Following numerous complaints from residents concerning poor service delivery, the CCF managed to secure an open public meeting with MMC Kholofelo Morodi (ActionSA) and some City officials this past Monday (Feb 16). Of course neither Patel nor his Ward Committee members attended. One of the issues highlighted was calls for a permanent solution to the illegal rubbish sites mushrooming all over the Laudium area, especially in the Emerald Street area, whose residents have often been complaining.
Ayesha Mohammed a resident of Emerald Street, Laudium, whose house is situated next to an illegal dumping site told the Laudium Sun, “I am sick and tired of the ongoing illegal dumping problem on Emerald Street, right next to the passage where my house is located. This situation has been going on for years, despite the many complaints that have been made to the Council. Unfortunately, nothing has ever changed and no action has been taken to resolve this problem permanently. I have reached a point where I am completely exhausted from reporting the same problem over and over again. Cllr Patel is not taking this matter seriously and there has been no meaningful response from him, about the illegal dumping in our area. The stench coming from the illegal dumping site is unbearable, especially during these warm days. The area is constantly filled with flies, which makes it extremely unpleasant and unhealthy to live nearby. There are many senior citizens living close to this dumping site and their health is clearly deteriorating because of these unhygienic conditions. Even when the Council does come to clean the area, the relief is very short-lived. By the very next day, the dumping starts again, as if nothing was done. This clearly shows that cleaning alone is not a solution. What we have been asking for is a permanent solution. We want strict rules, proper monitoring and fines for those who illegally dump in our area. We also need a dumping site nearby so those needing to dump can use it. Without consequences, people will continue to treat Emerald Street as a dumping ground. I am fed up with this situation. My health is deteriorating and living under these conditions is not acceptable. Since no one seems to be listening to us in Laudium, we are now prepared to take this matter to the Provincial or National level. We deserve to live in a clean, safe and healthy environment, and we will not stay silent anymore.”
illegal dumping site, said it is extremely unpleasant and unhealthy to live near the
dumping site.
Mohammed Ali, another resident of Emerald Street, told the Laudium Sun, “This situation is extremely frustrating and has become unbearable for me as someone who lives right next to the illegal dumping site, on Emerald Street. The more I complain to the people who dump waste near the passage and even to those I do not know who come at night, the worse the dumping becomes. It feels as though our complaints are being ignored and in some cases, even challenged by those responsible for creating this mess. Illegal dumping has turned our area into an unhealthy and unsafe place to live. Waste is dumped at all hours, especially at night, making it difficult to identify those responsible. Despite repeatedly raising this issue, nothing has changed. Instead, the dumping seems to increase and the problem continues to grow. This has left me feeling completely helpless and exhausted. The Council keeps saying they will address the issue, but there is no action on the ground. There are no visible measures to stop people from dumping their waste illegally and there are no consequences for those who continue to do so. What makes this situation even more painful is that we are forced to live with the constant smell, dirt, and health risks every single day. This is not the way any community should be treated. We are not asking for temporary clean-ups that last only a few hours or days. We want a permanent solution that will put an end to this problem once and for all. I am tired of empty promises and endlesscomplaints that lead nowhere.”
Rajesh Lutchman, also of Emerald Street, told the Laudium Sun, “This situation is completely unacceptable, especially for someone like me who is elderly and wants to live in a clean and healthy environment. I do not want to spend my days surrounded by dirt, bad smells and constant illegal dumping. Emerald Street used to be a pleasant and peaceful place to live, but over time it has changed for the worse. The area near the Emerald Street passage has become a major problem. There are illegal operations and unregulated activities taking place there and I believe that much of the illegal dumping is coming from that passage. Waste is dumped carelessly, with no regard for the people who live nearby. This has turned what was once a decent street into an unhealthy and unsafe environment. The stink from the dumping site is disturbing and it affects my daily life. This is not the kind of environment any resident should be forced to endure, especially senior citizens. I am asking for help because we can no longer handle this situation alone. We need leadership and action to restore dignity and cleanliness to Emerald Street. We rely on those in authority to step in and address this matter properly. All I want is to live the rest of my life in a clean, safe, and healthy area, free from illegal dumping and neglect.”
Lushika Mooloo from the CCF, told the Laudium Sun, “We had a fruitful public meeting with MMC Morodi on Monday evening and on Tuesday already the area in Emerald Street was being cleaned, but we need a permanent solution to this illegal dumping. Unfortunately it seems that some of the politicians are trying to block the progress we make, because they seem to be wanting to remain in the limelight. This is so sad, as we are supposed to be a united community fighting a common goal, that is crime and grime in our area. Even Cllr Prajay has been blocked many times by Cllr Patel in serving our community, as Patel mentioned that Prajay was not the Ward Councillor.”