OFM News spoke to a resident, Lizelle Olivier, who says that there has been constant smoke since the 31st of August and this prevent residents from hanging out their washing or even have their children play outside. She explained that they have spoken to the municipality but they heard that there is no diesel for their trucks to move this dirt. She went on to tell OFM News that her child is suffering from sinusitis.

OFM News spoke to a second resident, who asked to remain anonymous. He says he was told these fires cannot be put out with water and if water is thrown onto these fires some kind of toxic gas will be released. “Imagine, if the wind blows, those fires will be blown in the direction of the houses.” The concerned resident says his wife suffers from asthma and this worsens her condition.

He explained that he has had a petition drawn up and he has written letters but nothing has come of it. He ended off the interview stating that the developers of this residential area were told that if the residential area is up and running, the dumping site will be moved.

OFM News is still awaiting the response of the municipality.

OFM News/Sazly Hartzenberg