Maputo, 23 Apr (AIM) – The Mozambican Attorney General’s Office (PGR) has filed a lawsuit against Maputo City Council (CMCM) demanding the closure of the gigantic rubbish dump in the neighbourhood of Hulene, on the outskirts of Maputo city.
The dump in question caused, in February 2018, the deaths of 17 people when it collapsed as a result of torrential rains that hit Maputo city. The dump had been allowed to grow into a malodourous monster which towered over the houses built in its shadow.
For years, the Municipal Council had done nothing while houses were built illegally on the edge of the dump, even though the danger facing people living in such appalling conditions was clear.
According to a document made public by the PGR, the closure of the over 30-year-old rubbish dump is aimed at protecting the fundamental rights of citizens, especially public health, the environment, as well as promoting sustainable practices in solid waste management and the well-being of future generations.
The note explains that the dump represents a risk factor and an imminent danger to the surrounding population.
“This action comes after the PGR has repeatedly ordered the CMCM to close down the Hulene rubbish dump, where another tragedy could occur at any moment”, reads the document.
The former Mayor of Maputo, Eneas Comiche, announced that the Municipal Council has abandoned its longstanding plan to build a landfill in the Matlemele neighbourhood in the neighboring city of Matola, which means that so far the Municipality has no solution or concrete alternative to the Hulene rubbish dump.
The landfill would have been a reasonably safe alternative to the foul smelling eyesore of the gigantic municipal rubbish dump in Hulene. Successive mayors have promised to close the dump, but it is still there, towering over the houses built illegally around it.
(AIM)
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