The CoE’s political leadership recently inspected the Heidelberg Waste Transfer Facility in Alberton to assess its condition and identify key operational challenges.

The visit, led by the MMC for Environmental Resource and Waste Management, Jongizizwe Dlabathi, was part of the city’s ongoing spot checks to ensure service delivery and environmental compliance.

Infrastructure damage and safety concerns

The inspection revealed several issues, including extensive damage to infrastructure and further criminal activity.

According to Dlabathi, reclaimers have infested the facility, harassing city employees and stripping materials from vehicles entering the site.

“Some have also entered bulk containers to retrieve recyclable materials, leading to littering inside and outside the station,” he said.

He confirmed that the site has suffered significant vandalism and damage. The ablutions, compaction unit, palisade fencing, cables, water connection pipes and fire hydrants have all been affected.

There is also no water or electricity connection, further hindering operations and posing safety risks for workers and visitors.

“The conditions we found are deeply concerning. While the site remains operational, we must act swiftly to repair the damage, improve safety and restore essential services,” said Dlabathi.

Reclaimers dispute city’s claims

However, reclaimers working at the site have rejected the city’s claims that they harass employees or damage property.

Several told the Alberton Record that they are simply trying to earn a living and support their families by collecting recyclables.

One reclaimer, who asked to remain anonymous, said he has worked at the site since 2021.

“I have never harassed anyone. I only come here to get recyclable material so I can feed my family. I have children and a wife, and I am not working. This is how I survive,” he said.

He added that they were hurt when EMPD officers confiscated and burned their belongings.

@albertonrecordReclaimers working at the site have rejected the city’s claims that they harass employees or damage property. Several told the @albertonrecord that they are simply trying to earn a living and support their families by collecting recyclables. One reclaimer, who asked to remain anonymous, said he has worked at the site since 2021. “I have never harassed anyone. I only come here to get recyclable material so I can feed my family. I have children and a wife, and I am not working. This is how I survive,” he said. He added that they were hurt when EMPD officers confiscated and burned their belongings. “They took our things and burnt them. We had nothing to use to collect materials. That was painful because this is our daily job,” he said. Read full story on albertonrecord.co.za

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“They took our things and burnt them. We had nothing to use to collect materials. That was painful because this is our daily job,” he said.

Another reclaimer shared a similar experience, explaining that restrictions on entering the site make it difficult to earn an income.

“Sometimes, we are not allowed to go in and collect recyclables, which makes life hard. This is our job. We do not harass anyone or make the place dirty. We are here to work,” he said.

The reclaimers also claimed that the city had previously taken their names and promised to hire them, but instead employed other people.

“They keep saying they will hire us, but it never happens. That makes us angry because we have been here for years, working honestly,” said one worker.

Plans for repair and restoration

The city’s waste management department has outlined several interventions to address the situation. Planned upgrades include repairing the compaction unit, replacing the removed gate, rebuilding the perimeter wall, restoring electricity in collaboration with the Energy Department, and reconnecting the water supply.

Security improvements are also a priority, with the city planning to install a high-wall fence and implement more effective onsite security measures.

Additionally, reclaimers operating informally around the site will be aided in forming a co-operative, enabling safer and more structured participation in recycling efforts.

Ongoing oversight and environmental standards

According to the department, environmental regulations, including the National Environmental Management: Waste Act and the Environment Conservation Act, govern the facility’s operations.

The city does regular oversight visits to ensure compliance. Political leadership does weekly spot checks, particularly on Fridays, while site supervisors do daily inspections.

“These inspections allow us to take immediate corrective action where needed,” Dlabathi explained.

“We are committed to ensuring that all waste facilities operate efficiently, meet environmental standards and serve our communities with dignity.”

Community role and service delivery

The Heidelberg Waste Transfer Facility has a crucial role in Alberton’s waste management system. It receives garden refuse and supports small-scale waste removal businesses.

However, illegal dumping around the station remains a persistent problem. The city continues to clear these areas regularly, with workers assigned daily to address littering.

Dlabathi urged residents to work with local authorities to protect public infrastructure, “Community involvement is crucial. We encourage residents to report vandalism, avoid illegal dumping and participate in public engagements. Together, we can restore and maintain this facility for the benefit of all.”

Next steps and monitoring

Some interventions are already underway, while others will happen over time as part of the city’s capital expenditure budget.

Ward councillors, the MMC and service delivery forums will communicate progress to ensure transparency and accountability.