Community members are alerted of the closure of the Highveld Road Transfer Station due to breakdowns.
The transfer station has been closed for two weeks.
Residents are concerned as the transfer station where refuse is normally crushed by a waste compactor is barely recognisable, as piles of refuse bags and rubbish covered the entire area. Residents described it as a health and environmental hazard.
Allen Chisvo said the landfill site gave off a terrible smell when driving past the station, which they had complained of several times, but nothing had been done.
“It gets worse in the afternoon when it gets windy. Even if your window or door is closed, you can still smell it,” said Chisvo.
There is no communication from the City of Ekurhuleni about the site. Transfer station employees have been directing community members to alternative facilities.
Ward councillor André du Plessis stated the transfer station being closed and the backlog created is a massive problem as it is a health and environmental hazard. He urged the metro to patch up the transfer station and avoid environmental and health issues that could possibly affect residents.
“This is a great cause for concern as the waste management crisis is spilling to other areas like Boksburg and Benoni,” said du Plessis.
