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Photo: O País
Rubbish is being deposited and recycled on the road outside the Hulene dump, leading to traffic congestion and health problems.
The cry for help from those living near the dump is nothing new, but now residents are being joined by drivers and people who simply pass by every day, such as Lola Joaquim.
“We are asking for help from the government. Here on the road, cars no longer have anywhere to go. The stink from the garbage dump even harms your health. We have been getting sick because of this problem,” she said.
There have already been disputes between motorists and waste pickers.
And the reason why solid waste is deposited outside the Hulene garbage dump in broad daylight is well known to those who have worked there for years.
“Hulene dump is already full. No vehicles enter – only machines can do that,” one of the waste pickers told O País.
Curiously, the garbage that, little by little, is occupying the entire road is dumped that by garbage collection companies working for the Municipality of Maputo.
During rush hours, the situation becomes more complicated, according to some drivers.
“This rubbish is on the outside of the dump and, when it rains, considering that the road is already full of potholes, we have to fight to find the ideal place to pass… Furthermore, this has created a nauseating smell,” one driver complains.
Some motorists even wear masks when approaching the dumps because of the nauseating stink.
Waste pickers
As so often in life, what constitutes a disadvantage for some is an advantage for others. Such is the case of waste pickers, who depend on rubbish to survive.
“This is what helps our families, and we do nothing but enjoy these products,” one waste picker says.
The Maputo Municipal Council says it is aware that rubbish is being dumped inappropriately, explaining the matter as follows.
“The situation we see at the Hulene dump is management based on the circumstances we have,” says Saturnino Chembeze, Councillor for Urban Infrastructures in the Municipality of Maputo.
“Around the dumpster, specifically on Avenida Julius Nyerere, you can see many cardboards, most of which are recyclable, and are only there because of the waste pickers. We could even remove it and the waste pickers would no longer have access to the material, which we do not think is the most correct.”
Drivers meanwhile would prefer the immediate closure of the dump.
Maputo municipality says that the process of closing the Hulene landfill is already underway, with the construction of the replacement KaTembe landfill planned for later this year.
READ: Closure of the Hulene dump to be announced within 60 days – Minister
Attorney General to sue Maputo City Council over Hulene tragedy
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