Stench rises over Eehana dumpsite

Eenhana residents are demanding the relocation of a foul-smelling dumpsite near their homes, citing health risks, pollution, and poor waste management.

Residents of the town’s Oukango, Tulipamwe, and Jansen areas are affected demanding that the dumpsite be moved elsewhere.

The ‘Etoto’ dumpsite is along the town’s old hospital road, where garbage is dumped on a daily basis.

Residents say the trash is then burnt, causing widespread air pollution.

Apart from the thick, dark clouds of smoke produced by the burning garbage, the site also attracts flies.

Residents also use the area to relieve themselves when nature calls.

“You cannot even open your windows here. The moment you do that, you will regret it. Cooking during the day is impossible as you will find your house full of flies. It’s really awful,” Phillip John, an mechanic operating from home at Oukango, says.

Ndapandula Heelu, who works at a local retail shop, says: “We live right across from the dumpsite, and our children have to struggle through garbage to get to school. We really would like to urge the council to shift it to an area futher away.”

Eenhana Town Council spokesperson Simon Martin says the council is aware of residents’ issues complaints about the dumpsite, adding that the site was, however, there before residents began encroaching on the area.

“The issue is caused by the fact that the council does not have sufficient land due to a high influx of residents to the town seeking job opportunities.

“Many of the people end up setting up informal structures and building close to the dumpsite,” he says.

“The situation is deeply concerning to us as a council. We are actively working on plans to relocate the dumpsite, but financial constraints are the reason we are not able to expedite the process. Providing a health hazard-free environment is our top priority, and we understand the residents’ concerns,” Martin says.

In addition, he says the town council plays a critical role in reducing plastic pollution by encouraging recycling programmes, establishing plastic waste collection points, and promoting recycling efforts.

“We are working on promoting sustainable alternatives and partnering with businesses to introduce ecofriendly packaging solutions as well as enhancing waste disposal regulations.”

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