Wall to be built at Norkem Park transfer station

Puleng Sekabate

Norkem Park community will be pleased about the construction underway at the entrance of the Norkem Park transfer station.
A new 2.3m-high wall is being erected to hopefully eradicate some of the problems at the mentioned entrance.
For many years, residents were concerned by the state of the area that had seemingly become a dumping site.
A portion of the wall at the transfer station had been removed, which led to refuse and unused items being dumped at the opening.
The dumping outside the transfer station led to rodent infestation and an unbearable stench, among other things. This has been a problem for residents of the complex right next to the transfer station and to a fast-food franchise that has previously committed to assisting with eliminating the illegal dumping activities.
Ward councillor Desmond McKenzie said the new developments are welcomed as the entrance is a gateway to Norkem Park.
“The community has wanted this and now it is finally happening,” said McKenzie.
“We also need the cooperation of the community. They need to understand they can’t dump illegally here because they will be fined.
“EMPD needs to enforce the by-laws, ensure we have visible policing and issue fines to people dumping.”
Ward 104 councillor Tracey Lourenco said another option is to instal a camera to capture those who illegally dump at the site.
“There are also people who come from outside the ward to dump at this site. Then you find those loitering, take these items and have some sort of sale, especially on Saturdays,” explained McKenzie.
McKenzie reminded residents the transfer station is reserved for and to be used only for garden refuse and not for non-compactable waste, such as rubble, old furniture, appliances and tyres.
According to the community liaison officer of the project, Nthato Mosime, people have been seen dumping outside the transfer station when they find the facility closed. Mosime advised against this practice.
“When the transfer station is full and can’t take more refuse, it is closed before the trading hours. Unfortunately, when people find it closed, they opt for dumping their waste outside, and this is prohibited. Rather find an alternative transfer station or return at a later stage when it can take more load,” explained Mosime.
Lourenco suggested sorting recyclable items.
“We should encourage residents to do their own recycling at home. Separate everything before you put it in a bin. This will also help save time for recyclers on collection day,” said Lourenco.
McKenzie re-iterated that dumping can’t be tolerated and that the entrance to Norkem Park needs to be cleaned.
The old broken wall was demolished and construction of the new wall commenced on April 19.
“A new gate will also be installed. It will be electrical and operated by a security guard,” explained McKenzie.
As written on the notice board found at the entrance of the station, these items can’t be delivered: builder's rubble, tree trunks in excess of 50mm thickness, tree branches in excess of 1m, vehicles in excess of one ton carrying capacity, business/industrial refuse, hazardous/chemical waste, tyres, soil/sand and tiles.
Operating hours are Monday to Saturday from 07:00 to 17:00.