By Derrick Spies

The dust from construction of the 2010 Soccer World Cup stadium in North End has become so bad that nearby Sydenham Primary School is forced to cancel sport activities on windy afternoons, fearing for its pupils‘ health, while motorists drive with their headlights on because of poor visibility.

An old age home in the vicinity, Mothwa Haven, has also experienced serious health concerns due to the fine white dust from the site. At least one elderly resident has reportedly had to be placed on oxygen after suffering breathing problems as a result of the dust.

Numerous complaints have been submitted to the municipality by residents, the school, Mothwa Haven‘s board and even ward councillor Jeremy Davis, but there has been no improvement.

“I have been informed that an environmental consultant has been appointed to monitor these types of problems at the site, but to date it seems that very little has been done to address the issue,” Davis said.

Nelson Mandela Bay 2010 director Errol Heyns said the particularly strong winds posed a challenge.

“We have found that simply wetting the surface is not enough, as the wind quickly dries out the dirt and it becomes airborne again.”

Stronger chemical compounds were now being considered.

Sydenham Primary acting principal Sandra Every said: “We don‘t know what to do anymore. Every time the wind blows, you are guaranteed that there will be dust so thick that the children can‘t breathe and you dare not open a window or everything will be covered within minutes.”

The school had recently been forced to install fans in all classrooms at a cost of R28 000.

“If the wind is especially strong, we have to cancel all sport activities because, along with the fine dust that causes the children to cough and gasp, there is a heavier grit which actually lashes against the children, stinging them.”

Children with chest problems like asthma were particularly affected. On windy days, all pupils were kept indoors until they were fetched.

“Even motorists driving past the school have to ride with their lights on because the visibility is so bad.”

Mothwa Haven chairman Janet Goosen said the dust was so bad a few months ago that a resident with emphysema had to be placed on pure oxygen 24 hours a day.

The Herald