The BulBul Landfill Site in Chatsworth, which was a site of much contention for locals was closed after 20 years of protests.
Waste Services was granted permission in 1989 by the then apartheid government to operate a dumpsite in a residential area. Over the years, residents complained about obnoxious odours, spillages of waste on the roads, traffic problems, etc.
On 25 July 2002, Wasteman informed residents, at a public meeting, of its proposed plans to install a medical waste treatment facility at its dumpsite. The company planned to collect medical waste from hospitals and clinics, transport the waste through the roads of Chatsworth to the dump site and then treat and dispose of the waste.
The Silverglen Civic Association objected most vehemently to the proposal because of the potential health risks to the community. Since that plan posed a threat to the residents of the greater Chatsworth area, a steering committee was formed in order to present a united front. Representatives of Civic Associations of Silverglen, Mobeni Heights, Havenside and Kharwastan, some local councillors, political parties, the Durban South Doctor’s Guild and NGOs served on this committee. Legal Resource Centre provided free legal advice and services.
After a struggle lasting two years, Wasteman finally abandoned the proposed project. It was indeed a victory for the people.
In 2009, the site was near maximum capacity and an application was submitted to the authorities to expand the size of the landfill, with a new date offered for closure in 2021. The Silverglen Civic Association began the fight against the landfill operators, along with various other local and environment organisations, including the Durban South Environment Alliance’s (SDCEA). Desmond D’Sa formed the BulBul Dumpsite Action Committee to fight the submission.
In 2010, their work was rewarded with Wasteman withdrawing its application for extension and announcing the permanent closure of the site in November 2010.
