PHALABORWA – The Phalaborwa landfill site, commonly referred to as the town’s dumping site, is currently non-operational, prompting complaints from residents about a growing stench and deteriorating environmental conditions.

Unpaid workers shut down site

The situation dates back to November last year, when contract workers and informal recyclers who sort refuse at the site went unpaid.

In protest, they downed tools and closed the site’s gates. Although that issue was later resolved, similar problems have resurfaced this year.

Workers at the site, along with the contractor responsible for providing yellow fleet machinery, are again raising concerns over non-payment.

As a result, the landfill site has ceased operations, leading to a buildup of uncollected waste. Residents say flies are increasing and the smell has become unbearable, spreading into nearby residential areas.

Landfill exceeded its lifespan by four years

Compounding the problem is the fact that the landfill site has exceeded its intended lifespan.

It was meant to be permanently closed four years ago but was granted an extension by the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (Ledet) until February this year.

While the municipality has identified a new site along the R40 to serve as a replacement landfill, the land has not yet been prepared to receive waste.

Waste now dumped outside 

Municipal refuse collectors continue to collect rubbish, but it is being dumped outside the closed old site.

In addition, some residents have begun littering in open areas.

Health and environmental risks mount

Let’s Change Ba-Phalaborwa’s Trevor van Rooyen warned that the situation poses serious environmental and health risks.

“People can contract airborne diseases from the stench that has now reached residential areas. This is a health hazard,” he said.

“There are dams and streams near the site from which animals drink, and they could ingest toxins. Being so close to the Kruger National Park, the litter being blown by the wind is harmful to humans, animals, and biodiversity.”

Municipality asks for patience

Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality spokesperson Jonas Mahesu told the Herald that the municipality is addressing the payment issues and is also working on preparing the new landfill site.

“We are asking the disgruntled employees to be patient. We are working to ensure that everyone is paid,” he said.