Dumping of disposal nappies a great concern

NNASARETHA KGAMANYANE
Correspondent | Thursday April 18, 2013 00:00

Speaking at a Kgotla meeting held recently, Mogoditshane Council law enforcement officer, Emmanuel Mompati, commented on people's poor methods for disposing of disposable nappies.  He said that in the past, people used ordinary nappies that were well taken care of and handed down from one generation to the other. He said those nappies promoted hygiene because they they were re-used, unlike disposable nappies that can only be used once. He told the gathering that disposable nappies have infested Tsolamosese since people do not seem to care where they dispose of them. He said: 'Disposable nappies have infested Tsolamosese at an alarming rate, which promotes a health hazard to the society. If you step out of this Kgotla, there is a great chance that you will step on a disposable nappy since I have seen them lying all over the ground. We then see wherever we go.'

Mompati told the Kgotla that he has placed big refuse bins at Lesirane Clinic and other clinics in Mogoditshane where people can throw disposable nappies without littering their ward. Furthermore, he encouraged the gathering to register for household litter collection at the council.  He also spoke strongly against individuals who dispose of their garbage in a way contrary to what the law allows. 'The law prohibits people from burning litter, but most you have a tendency of doing it at night thinking that you won't get caught. If the green scorpions or I catch you burning your litter, we will charge you. This is a serious offence that can have you imprisoned for six years, or ordered to pay P14,000,' he emphasised.

He urged the community to report people who dump litter in the streets, including those who dump garbage from moving vehicles, saying that such people have made Ipelegeng worker's efforts to clean the ward fruitless.Furthermore, Mompati told the residents that he is very concerned about hostels with more than 20 rental rooms. He said that such homes pose a threat to people's health because such homes have one pit latrine used by more than 20 people.  He said: 'People who reside in such areas pour used water everywhere, making their surroundings filthy and posing a health threat to the residents, neighbours and people who pass by. I urge you to build more toilets if you have many tenants,' he added.Tsolamosese Village Development Committee (VDC) member, Emelang Ipotseng appealed to the community to help Ipelegeng workers keep Tsolamosese clean by cleaning their homes and surroundings.