Central SA
Residents up in arms about Homevale sanitation plant stench─── CASEY-LEE ANTHONY 05:00 Thu, 28 Nov 2024
Residents of Homestead in Kimberley have threatened with protest action over the stench from the Homevale sanitation plant.
They’ve been plagued by the persistent smell for years and now demand that Sol Plaatje Municipality take urgent actions to improve their quality of life.
“Residents, including children and the elderly, report respiratory discomfort and headaches caused by the smell,” said resident Clive Nagel. “Outdoor activities and basic household ventilation have become unbearable due to the pervasive odour.”
Read also: DA asks experts to assist at Kimberley’s Homevale wastewater plant
The smell is most potent in the early hours of the morning causing some residents to wake up due to its potency. This has caused health concerns for most residents and led to concerns over falling property values.
The community has written a formal request to the municipality requesting a solution, requesting odour-control measures, regular maintenance and reporting, as well as consistent community engagements to discuss progress.
‘This situation is unacceptable’
They want to organise a peaceful protest to hand over a memorandum of the requests.
“The unbearable smell and the plant’s failure to effectively use bio and chemical filters have severely impacted our daily lives. This situation is unacceptable.”
OFM News has contacted Sol Plaatje Municipality for comment.