GARDENS, homes and pools in Mtunzini are blanketed in red dust, while residents are left fed-up at the ongoing onslaught. Neighbours for nine years, the residents and Tronox’s Fairbreeze mine co-existed without problem until mining ceased and rehabilitation began last year.

Residents say the red dust has worsened in recent strong winds and is affecting their health, with chronic coughing, aggravated asthma and sinus problems.

“For months, families – especially young children and the elderly – have been falling ill with constant respiratory problems,” said one affected resident.

“Many of us have been medically diagnosed with upper respiratory tract infections (URTI).

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