UPDATE: Metro’s hands tied over Centurion informal recyclers
The metro said it remained concerned about the environmental impact the recycling activities had on the area.
The Tshwane metro cannot control the operations or movement of waste pickers at a so-called sorting station in Centurion, the metro has conceded.
According to Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, the ongoing court proceedings barred the metro from stopping the recycling operations on the site.
Mashigo was responding to the recent concerns by residents near the informal recycling station in West Avenue.
“The metro is not yet in control of the [waste pickers’] operations at the West Avenue site but remains concerned about the environmental impact the recycling activities have on the area,” said Mashigo.
“It is due to the illegal nature of the operations that the metro has started issuing notices to recyclers to stop their operations.
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“Hence it would be our wish to stop them had it not been for the current court proceedings.”
Mashigo said Lawyers for Human Rights had made a court bid to challenge the intention of the metro to stop recycling on the site.
“The metro is awaiting the outcome of the eviction hearing which will take place in September.
“In the meantime, the metro is identifying suitable sites where waste sorting and storage may be permitted.”
This week, residents in the area said they were concerned that the site was turning into a “squatter camp” and growing by the day.
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About 1 500 residents petitioned the metro to have the occupants of the site relocated to a different location.
Residents even suggested an alternative location for the recyclers could work and live.
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