Linden’s garbage volcano

Dear Editor,

There is a potential epidemic simmering like a volcano waiting to consume the residents of Linden. This community is being harassed by a strange and most unwelcome daemon which is slowly and imperceptibly spreading and feeding its poison into the bodies of residents, destroying the walls protecting the health of the community.

If this threatening health hazard isn’t treated with the urgency it demands, it will inevitably wreak untold havoc on the town. I am referring to that horrible garbage site on the tarmac in front of the Mackenzie Municipal Market – a most ugly and disgusting spectacle that is there twenty-four seven as they say. This dumpsite is utilised by all and sundry; by almost every conceivable business owner around and within the Linden business front, which is a daily beehive of activity. The entire business block – the market, the riverfront, every single restaurant and eating place, they all play a part. Business owners make full use of ‘junkies’ to dispose of their refuse, and this is where the problem lies. ‘Junkies’ are on the move non-stop, pushing carts, rolling and fetching metal and plastic drums, barrels, boxes, buckets, large salt/sugar bags and every variety of container imaginable filled with decomposed carcasses, rotten fish, fish guts, entrails from animals, spoilt meat and food mixed with other kinds of garbage and God knows what else. Some of it has been stored for a day or two.

You don’t want to be around when the ‘junkies’ are moving refuse; the stench rises to the heavens and blows gently across the entire business block. Residents have resigned themselves to the brazen garbage eye-pass that the Linden M&TC has bestowed on them.   And obviously not to be outdone are the animals which welcome the feast and are forever foraging – cows, goats, dogs, cats and of late, the newcomers, the pigs.   Editor, try to understand that there is no order in the dumping of the garbage; some folks stand twenty yards away and toss, because they can’t bear to go too near. This is not to forget that foods are prepared and sold in close proximity to this garbage poison and folks party around it as if it is invisible. I dare say that the businessman occupying the spot immediately next to it – Mr Richard Hopkinson ‒ has been done a tremendous disservice; it’s a raw deal that has no match, especially as it is affecting such a longstanding business personality who has been servicing this community and still does. This is as wrong as two left side shoes.

Editor, did I mention that Linden has a Mayor as well as a former Mayor and leading entrepreneur whose business stands opposite overlooking this horrendous site, and that there are 18 councillors who make decisions and have responsibility for the town? That there is a health employee within the Linden M&TC, and also a health administrator within the RDC? That there is a Linden Hospital Complex with many doctors who treat patients for disease and are supposed to be looking out for the health of the community? But lo and behold, they don’t see the sinful vulgarity that is the garbage. And there is no one, repeat, no one, who resides in Linden and doesn’t pass by the front line – the market square ‒ unless they are confined to bed. And would you believe that the health authorities don’t see to it at least to treat that place? No they don’t.

Editor, this is the fourth time I’m highlighting this ungodly situation, and for those who think they are physically too distant from this garbage to feel threatened, they had better think again – epidemics are indiscriminate invaders.   All are involved, all are consumed.

Yours faithfully,

Frank Fyffe