Victor Khanye municipality shares plans for new landfill cell and enhanced waste disposal system
DELMAS – The community of Extension 7 and N12, in Delmas, is facing a severe environmental crisis due to a dumping site located near residential areas.
The unpleasant smell from refuse heaps is just too much to bear for the residents.
They are also worried the site is not only polluting the environment but also depreciates the value of their property.
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity told the paper the problem is made worse by business. “Big companies are contributing to the problem by dumping rubbish,” he said.
The dumping site is contaminating soil and also attracts disease-carrying pests, increasing the risk of illnesses such as dengue fever, yellow fever, and malaria.
“Moreover, the site’s proximity to residential areas is negatively affecting residents psychologically as they are feeling uncomfortable and unsafe due to the environmental degradation,” added anonymous.
Zibane Mokwena, residing in Extension 7, highlighted that the dumping site is a ticking time bomb for their environment and health.
“The smoke from burning rubbish is a toxic cocktail of chemicals that can cause respiratory problems, cancer, and other serious health issues. It’s not just the air we breathe that’s affected, but the top soil quality and it also occupied a huge space which can be used for agricultural purpose,” he said.
“It’s time to take action against illegal dumping and promote sustainable waste management practices. We owe it to ourselves, our communities, and the environment to dispose of waste responsibly.”
The community is demanding immediate action from the local authority and corporate entities responsible for the dumping. They are also demanding implementation of effective waste management strategies including regular clean-up initiatives, and strict enforcement of environmental regulations to mitigate the crisis.
In response, the mayor of Victor Khanye municipality, Vusi Buda assured residents the municipality is currently in the process of acquiring a licence to commence with construction of the second cell at the landfill site. “Upon receipt of such license, construction can commence which will lead to the closure and rehabilitation of the current cell in use,” he said.
Buda also mentioned that an inspection was conducted by the department of water and sanitation (DWS) in the month of August 2024, signifying a step closer to getting a record of decision (ROD) which will lead to the municipality getting the licence.
“The municipality has established a system of registering companies that dispose at the landfill site. Only registered companies can dispose their waste at the landfill site. Before disposal can occur, an inspection on the vehicle gets carried out to ensure that only general waste is disposed off at the landfill site,” he said.
“We are currently using the waste management act, norms and standards for disposal my landfill, VKLM waste management bylaws. The municipality is currently in the process of developing its integrated waste management plan (IWMP) with the assistance of the department of forestry, fisheries and environment (DFFE). The appointment of a service provider is expected to be made this year and the IWMP will be finalised in the year 2025 for adoption by council.”
