The Helao Nafidi town council intends to relocate the local dumpsite after residents complained of the smoke produced when rubbish is burned.
The dumpsite is situated in Omafo, and the site identified for the new rubbish dump is in the Engela suburb.
The town’s mayor, Darius Shaalukeni, said the council has resolved to relocate the dumpsite to solve the problem.
He said residents notified the council that they are unhappy about the smoke, as they feared it was a health hazard.
“Residents must also stop setting fire at the dumping site as it is wrong and can amount to criminal charges if a person is caught in the act,” he cautioned.
One of the affected residents, Rosalia Shikongo, told New Era that the smoke caused by the burning of waste had become problematic.
“We were no longer sleeping well due to the smoke, and we are scared of being affected by diseases,” she stated.
Shaalukeni said the dumpsite is a challenge, and “has been there for years. Therefore, we concur with the community’s complaints. It needs to be tackled urgently”.
He added that although it is urgent to have a new dumpsite, procedures need to be followed.
“So far, a clearance certificate has already been obtained from the ministry of environment, and is expected to kick off the bidding process soon,” he explained.
The relocation is also going to be a costly exercise. They thus don’t want to build something small which may have a shorter lifespan, they want a proper dumpsite.
“Should we now build a new dumpsite, community members are urged not to settle near the dumpsite,” he advised.
– vkaapanda@nepc.com.na