Vukani location residents want basic infrastructure like libraries, clinics, playgrounds, crèches and a public hall.
Vukani location residents want basic infrastructure like libraries, clinics, playgrounds, crèches and a public hall.
Although Vukani’s been an official area for a decade, open spaces once allocated for public amenities are becoming dumping sites, presenting health hazards to the community.
"We do not have our own resources, yet there are spaces to build a hall, playgrounds and so on," said resident Lonwabo "Dezz" Gwente.
"It is also very hard for me as an artist. I can’t even make shows, I have to use a tavern and under-18s aren’t allowed in so they miss out on entertainment as well," Gwente added.
Ward 13 councillor Mthuthuzeli Madinda explained that these spaces were left empty so that things like crèches and a hall could be built.
People have sent applications to the municipality to utilise the land, Madinda said, but Makana Municipality is currently conducting land audits.
These spaces can’t be used for anything until the land auditing process is complete by the end of this year, he said.
These plots have remained untouched since Vukani officially became an area 10 years ago.
Some have since been identified as dumping sites by the municipality. A man living near one of these dumps says the facility isn’t kept clean and pose a health threat – especially nearby residents.
"They throw dirt just right in front of my house. People will not wait for Wednesday’s dump collection truck, but they’ll throw dirt right here and it’s bad," said Moses Kewuti.
"People throw plastic, sanitary pads, Huggies and all the stains and smells come through to my house," Kewuti said.
"These empty spaces must be used otherwise our health is at stake. Sometimes we try to clean it up on our own but people won’t stop throwing their dirt here." Another resident, Nosens Ngcingci, agrees wholeheartedly.
"This is really bad. People throw dead dogs and cats right opposite my house," she said.
"The smell lasts long and no one wants to help us. I’ve been complaining about this for so long, it is really hurting and I wish something could be done to stop this," Ngcingci said.
The ward councillor said although none of the designated dump sites are fenced in, this is on their list of things to do.
Madinda also said the municipality plans to start educational programmes to teach people about health and looking after the environment.
