R420m required to clean and rehabilitate Kya Sand dumping sites
According to Ward 134 councillor Devon Steenkamp, the community is left exposed to the hidden risks of air pollution because there is no consistent air quality.
The smoke from the constantly burning illegal dumping sites in Kya Sand is wreaking havoc on nearby areas.
The community is experiencing a toxic crisis because of the big, busy dumping sites that are always burning. The smoke is affecting other communities such as North Riding and some parts of Fourways.
Ward 134 councillor Devon Steenkamp explained that the area has become a hotspot for illegal dumping, where over 300 trucks offload waste, setting the stage for uncontrolled fires that suffocate the neighbourhood with hazardous smoke.
“This not only poses severe environmental risks but directly threatens the health and safety of residents, particularly children living adjacent to these burgeoning dumpsites.”
A crucial meeting was convened recently, to bring together the City of Johannesburg’s top officials, law enforcement, and environmental agencies, including the Ward 134 councillor.
The meeting brought attention to the startling extent of illegal dumping in Kya Sand and launched a campaign to address the scarcity of landfill sites, the closure and restoration of those that already exist, and the urgent need for legislative frameworks to address the issue.
Steenkamp explained, “The discussions unveiled the intricate web of challenges at play – from the staggering estimated R420m required to clean and rehabilitate the area, to the establishment of waste transfer facilities as a sustainable solution. Moreover, the absence of continuous air quality left the community vulnerable to the unseen dangers of air pollution, a concern that has prompted inquiries to the local and provincial governments regarding environmental compliance and public health safeguards.”
He added that they are at the forefront of this battle, advocating for stringent enforcement of waste management laws, budget allocations for immediate interventions, and the establishment of an integrated waste management facility. By questioning the effectiveness of current measures and proposing actionable solutions, they aim to hold the coalition government accountable and ensure a swift, effective response to the crisis.
“The path forward demands a collaborative effort among all stakeholders to restore Kya Sand to a safe, clean environment. It’s a call to action for government accountability, community involvement, and sustainable urban management to prevent future crises. As we rally together, the message is clear: the time for change is now – for the health of our communities and the preservation of our environment.”
A non-profit company (NPC), The Kya Sand Burning Wasteland Community Forum, recently launched a petition and gathered over 2 400 signatures.
Keith Elliot of the NPC explained that they have an international law firm acting on their behalf, pro bono, and they will be launching their court application shortly.
“We intend to take the authorities to court to force them to meet our demands. The petition is intended to show the court and the authorities that we have the support of the community.”
Elliot added that they have been engaging with the authorities since May 2020. “Although Pikitup has responded to us by email, conducted site visits with us, produced action plans and made promises, nothing has been done. The size and number of illegal commercial dumps has increased.”
The classes of waste that are taken in by the operators include household waste, building rubble and waste, garden refuse, toxic chemicals, electronic goods an even medical waste.
Pikitup spokesperson Muzi Mkhwanazi confirmed that the entity is indeed aware of the Kya-Sand issue and it is part of a committee that has been set up to deal with the matter.
“The said committee had a meeting on the issue on January 30. This was a joint meeting between stakeholders therefore, Pikitup cannot answer the individual questions. The issue is being handled by all the listed stakeholders since it is not a Pikitup-only problem but involves other entities as well.”
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