Residents of Ward 52 in Langa are appealing to the City to clean and collect rubbish there, saying they were concerned for their health. They said it had been more than two months since the ward was last cleaned, after a contract with a cleaning company working there had expired.

Stench and stagnant water plague Old Flats residents

Resident Lungiswa Magoso from Old Flats said the stench coming from the rubbish and dirty water near her house was unbearable. She said she had to keep her house closed to keep the intolerable smell out.

“This rubbish is illegally dumped by residents from Zone 23, Zone 26 and Better Life. The City used to clean here, but within an hour after cleaning the dirt would start gathering again. When we tried to stop the community from dumping their rubbish here, we were threatened with violence. Now they do as they please because we fear them.” Magoso added that dumping was done in broad daylight.

She said the dirty water came from the Old Flats. “When people from the Old Flats do their washing, their washing machines drain the dirty water here. The water is stagnant and has turned green. My house is damp inside because it is surrounded by the dirty water. Rats come from the rubbish and into my house.”

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Magoso said all that’s needed is for the City to clean the rubbish.

Community leader blames City for Ward 52 waste removal delays

Community leader Lungile Maqegu said the whole ward was full of rubbish. He blamed the City for failing to put a plan in place for rubbish collection while waiting for a new cleaning company to be appointed.

Councillor: New cleaning company appointment underway

Councillor Thembelani Nyamakazi said he was aware of the situation, and the ward was waiting for the City to hire a new company. He refuted claims that it had been more than two months since the rubbish was last collected.

“Every financial year, the City hires a new cleaning company. The last financial year ran from last year July to June this year. The cleaning contract there ended at the end of June. So the City is still busy looking for another company. Normally it takes a month or two.” Nyamakazi emphasised, he was not sure when the new company would commence.