Note to editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Dennis Khasudi.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Moqhaka Local Municipality demands immediate action regarding the ongoing mismanagement of the Maokeng/Kroonstad Landfill site. Despite multiple reports and raising this issue at the Portfolio Committee level in the municipality, no meaningful changes have been made.
Residents of Ward 10 in LTA and Relebohile have endured these conditions for nearly 20 years. The Relebohile informal settlement is located just 500 to 900 metres from the landfill site. The community, comprising a majority of unemployed individuals, schoolchildren, and elderly residents, is severely impacted by the foul odour emanating from the site.
The continuous inhalation of fumes from the landfill poses significant health risks, including loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, and exposure to high concentrations of harmful substances. These conditions can lead to respiratory issues such as bronchitis, particularly in asthmatic patients. The municipality has failed in its duty to ensure residents of Ward 10 their right to a healthy environment.
The DA strongly condemns the municipality’s negligence and believes that the dignity and health of our people must be protected. We call on the municipality to take immediate and concrete steps to address the landfill site issue steps such as conducting regular air quality monitoring implementing proper waste management practices, and providing adequate resources for affected residents. Failure to take action will only exacerbate the already dire situation and further endanger the well-being of our community.