The residents of Ha Tšosane are once again swamped in a cloud of thick, acrid smoke following a fire at the dumpsite, a disaster that has reignited long-standing fears for the community’s health and safety.
While authorities struggle to control the intensity and the subsequent pollution, experts are issuing stark warnings about the link between air pollution and a growing global health crisis.
The fire, which reportedly started in the early hours of September 6, has left a devastating veil of smoke over the community.
According to Minister of Local Government, Lebona Lephema, the blaze began after a security guard at the site smelled smoke and saw fire after midnight.
It is suspected that a frustrated community member, angered by waste scattered by strong winds the day before, intentionally set the fire.
Despite the efforts of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) and later, machinery from various councils, the smoke has persisted, threatening the well-being of those living nearby.
Recognising the immediate threat, Local Government, Chieftainship, Police and Home Affairs Minister Lebona Lephema announced that his ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, will visit affected families to check for signs of respiratory diseases.
This move comes as the community, which has endured a second major fire at the dumpsite in five years, faces the reality of living with a constant threat to their health.
A 2022 study by Lemohang Precious Mokoka, titled “The Impact of Tšosane Solid Waste Dumpsite on the Neighbouring Community,” provides empirical evidence of the dangers.
The study found that residents living within a radius of 0-500 meters from the dumpsite reported environmental degradation, bad odours, and health issues.
Findings from the study indicate that the dumpsite’s proximity contributes to land, noise, and air pollution, with some residents even suffering economic losses on rental properties due to the unbearable living conditions.
The study concluded that residents were living in fear and suffering from trauma, with impacts being most acutely felt closer to the site.
During a recent address to the National Assembly, Minister Lephema stated that the ministry is working on a solution to relocate the dumpsite to Tšoeneng.
However, this statement was met with scepticism and sharp criticism from the leader of the United Africans Transformation (UAT), Dr. Mahali Phamotse.
Phamotse demanded an explanation for how the M20 million allocated this financial year for the relocation had been spent.
She expressed concern that the money, intended for implementation, was being used for yet another study and the identification of new companies.
“This is among the things that derail this country’s progress,” Dr. Phamotse declared, suggesting the funds were not being used for their intended purpose.
The government’s repeated delays and apparent inaction were further highlighted in a report by the Portfolio Committees on Law and Public Safety and Natural Resources, Tourism, and Land.
The report’s findings were damning. The committee found that the Tšosane dumpsite had been illegal since the Environment Act was enacted in 2008 and lacks an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
The committees’ recommendations included a comprehensive EIA to assess the full extent of the damage, a funded clean-up strategy, and an improved budget for modern waste management infrastructure across the country.
Sirak Hailu of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that in the last decade, air pollution has become a significant contributing factor to mortality worldwide.
Hailu noted that six million deaths are currently associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as a result of air pollution.
“The trend is particularly alarming in Africa, where approximately 2.8 million people are dying from NCDs, a number that is progressively increasing due to factors like rapid urbanisation and, critically, air pollution.”
“Air pollution has become, and has got its importance as a risk factor for several non-communicable diseases, including chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and also cancer,” Dr. Hailu warned, emphasising the multifaceted health dangers.
Hailu attended the Non-Communicable Diseases and Injuries (NCDIs) Coordination Mechanism – Lesotho meeting, held on Wednesday at the ‘Manthabiseng Convention Centre. The meeting aimed to officially establish the multisectoral NCDI Coordinating Mechanism, raise awareness of NCDIs in Lesotho, and outline a roadmap for their prevention, detection, control, and treatment.
Summary
- The residents of Ha Tšosane are once again swamped in a cloud of thick, acrid smoke following a fire at the dumpsite, a disaster that has reignited long-standing fears for the community’s health and safety.
- This move comes as the community, which has endured a second major fire at the dumpsite in five years, faces the reality of living with a constant threat to their health.
- During a recent address to the National Assembly, Minister Lephema stated that the ministry is working on a solution to relocate the dumpsite to Tšoeneng.
Ntsoaki Motaung is an award-winning health journalist from Lesotho, specializing in community health stories with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as HIV. She has contributed to platforms like “Be in the KNOW,” highlighting issues such as the exclusion of people with disabilities from HIV prevention efforts in Lesotho.
In addition to her journalism, Ntsoaki serves as the Country Coordinator for the Regional Media Action Plan Support Network (REMAPSEN). She is also a 2023 CPHIA Journalism Fellow.
