Africa-Press – Botswana. In 2008, the residents of Gamodubu warmly welcomed the establishment of the regional landfill in their village.
However, as time passed, the landfill brought along various detrimental effects to the village. These included issues such as stray dogs preying on residents’ livestock, presence of dangerous birds, flies infesting the area, contaminated water seeping from the landfill, and occasional fires causing smoke, potentially posing health risks to the residents.
In a meeting with the community, the Kweneng District Council chairperson , Mr Allen Jacob, acknowledged the concerns raised by the residents regarding the negative impacts of the landfill, emphasising the priority of the residents’ health.
He mentioned the District Health Management Team’s concerns over the health risks posed by the landfill’s smoke and the worries regarding contaminated water.
The Village Development Committee (VDC) chairperson, Mr Mokwadi Mogale, highlighted the increase in respiratory issues in the village, possibly attributed to the smoke from the landfill fires.
He also mentioned the initial assurances given by the Council during the landfill’s establishment, ensuring minimal disturbance to the residents.
However, the reality differed, leading to significant disruptions in the residents’ daily lives, compelling them to wear masks due to the overwhelming smell and smoke.Requests were made by the VDC Chairman and other residents for protective masks, waste sorting stations to mitigate harmful emissions from burning materials like tires and batteries, and the relocation of the landfill to a more suitable location.
“We also request for masks to protect ourselves from the smell and the smoke,” pleaded the VDC Chairperson. Calls were also made for an environmental impact assessment and the provision of specialised healthcare services to address the health issues arising from the landfill’s effects.
One resident, Mr Tebogo Khudu advised the council to introduce waste sorting stations to avoid burning dangerous materials that bring smoke such as smoke from burning tyres or batteries.
Other residents requested for the landfill to be moved to another area away from the village as it is affecting the community.
Mr Kabelo Motlhapelo, a former councilor, reiterated that the landfill had now become a health hazard to the community.
For her part, Ms Gommenyane Garebakwena requested for specialists in their clinic as their health is deteriorating due to the smoke and smell from the landfill.
In response, the Council Secretary, Mr Olebile Mafala said efforts to address the situation included considerations for outsourcing landfill operations, conducting health assessments on residents affected by the smoke and smell, and ensuring proper monitoring to tackle the ongoing challenges.
While Ms Neo Kachana, landfill representative, assured residents that the tap water in the village remained safe for consumption after testing. Mr Jacod also assured the community that solutions would be sought to improve residents’ living conditions, and guidance was provided to the Gamodubu Trust to seek assistance from the council on matters affecting the community.
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