PHILIPPI residents took to the streets today, burning piles of waste on the road as they protested against uncollected rubbish in their kasi.
They told Daily Sun their rubbish was never removed for three months. “Our kids are in danger of this rubbish, as it has been on the streets for the past three months. Our homes are smelly because of the rotting garbage on each and every corner in our kasi, hence we are burning it,” said resident Nomaindia Jara (53).
Councillor Ngululeko Mgolombane said the problem was the company supposed to be removing garbage was supposed to employ people from the area but did not do so. Since then, it has been unable to work in the area. “This has led to all the disasters you are seeing in the area and I am working on ensuring the garbage is removed,’’ he said.
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Over the three months, the residents have protested at the councillor’s office, saying the new company brought people who weren’t from the area. They also complained they weren’t consulted about the new company working in their area.
Community leader Zoliswa Libalele said nothing should be done in their community without residents being aware of it. “There was a company cleaning in our area but its contract ended. Now we have another company we don’t even know. Who brought it without letting residents know?” she asked.
Residents were concerned as kids in the area were cleaning the rubbish and asking people to make donations to them. “This will make our kids sick and we want this madness to end. If the company cannot do it, we are going to do it ourselves and the money should come to us,” said resident Noluthando Mlungwana.
