Ward 99 councillor challenges city over dumpsite’s lingering neglect
After nearly two years, the Fairland dumpsite remains an environmental hazard, due to delayed clean-ups and stalled appeals.
Ward 98 councillor Beverley Jacobs is calling for urgent clean-up efforts at the Fairland dumpsite, which has remained closed for nearly two years.
Jacobs, who has been advocating for action on this long-standing issue, expressed frustrations over the lack of communication regarding the site’s status.\
Read more: Ward 99 councillor calls city to action
Since 2021, she has been engaging with officials to find sustainable solutions to the dumpsite’s issues. She noted that the MEC for Environment, Sheila Mary Peters, had previously committed to resolving Pikitup’s appeal regarding the R5m fine imposed on them on February 17, but the matter remains unresolved. “I have reached out again to the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Gdard), requesting urgent clarity and action,” Jacobs added.
In her recent correspondence with Peters, Jacobs inquired why it took more than 11 months to receive an update on the garden waste facility. “When the current MEC resumed her role as the appeal administrator, it became clear that she inherited a significant backlog of appeals. At the time there were 115 appeals pending, and,unfortunately, the appeal concerning the Fairland dumpsite is part of that backlog.”
Peters’ office assured that efforts are being made to address this backlog, with 70% of the appeals finalised to date. “The Department of Environment has also issued a directive to Pikitup, instructing them to cease any unlawful activities at the site that could lead to pollution. This directive, dated November 10, 2022, mandates immediate action to halt any ongoing issues.”
Once the appeal is finalised, the department will conduct a final review of the section 24G application submitted by Pikitup, and decide whether to grant the necessary environmental authorisation. If approved, this authorisation will include conditions aimed at protecting the environment.
Jacobs expressed concern over the lack of clear communication and delayed action from both Pikitup and Gdard. “The Fairland dumpsite has become severely overgrown and unsightly, posing a growing environmental hazard to the surrounding community. The ongoing uncertainty has eroded public confidence in the city’s ability to manage waste infrastructure effectively.”
She strongly feels that Pikitup should take full ownership of the site and not rely on community members to manage it. However, due to the prolonged inaction, private stakeholders have stepped forward, offering to assist with clean-up efforts. “I have formally requested permission from Gdard to allow this collaboration to proceed, but unfortunately, that request has gone unanswered.”
During the public participation process for the proposed expansion of the dumpsite, residents raised significant objections, primarily concerned that Pikitup would not adequately maintain the facility. “Regrettably, the current state of the site has confirmed those fears.”
She emphasised that, the prolonged closure of the dumpsite undermines public trust, complicating any further development or service delivery efforts in the area.
Pikitup spokesperson Muzi Mkhwanazi stated that Pikitup has not yet paid the fine imposed by Gdard. Mkhwanazi stated that they appealed against the fine. “We were granted a six-month period to make this payment. The total fine amounts to R500 000, which includes non-monetary penalties, such as providing Gdard with 2 000 litter pickers, 200 000 refuse bags, and 1 000 peach trees (20L).
“Regarding the Fairland dumpsite, we are currently at a stage where a fine has been imposed, and we are awaiting further direction from Gdard on the way forward. As for interim environmental compliance measures, the site is under Gdard’s control, and any inquiries about that should be directed to them.”
The publication did approach Gdard for comment on the matter, however none was forthcoming by time of going to print.
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