Tshwane identifies sites for new waste sorting facilities to tackle illegal dumping

The lack of waste sorting zones around Tshwane has been a significant problem which has contributed to illegal dumping in the area.

In response to this pressing problem, the metro has identified two vacant plots suitable for establishing waste sorting facilities.

According to Tshwane metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, the identification of more is currently underway.

“The process of identifying suitable land with the aim of setting these parcels aside for the establishment of multipurpose waste facilities is in progress,” said Mashigo.

“So far, suitable sites have been earmarked in regions 4 and 6 of the city.”

He stated that the identification of additional sites is expected to be concluded in other regions as well.

“The development of these sites will then follow the normal capital project development processes of the city, which include securing a budget for the site development.”

Mashigo further elaborated on the ongoing challenges with illegal dumping, particularly in the Centurion area, noting that the absence of these waste sorting facilities does indeed contribute to the problem.

He explained that inadequate access to waste facilities can be a key contributor to inefficient waste management systems in any municipality.

“Waste sorting facilities are just one part of a suite of waste facilities that can be made available to address access to waste management.

This includes buyback centres, waste landfills, and waste material recovery facilities.”

Mashigo added that the metro has collaborated with the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) to enforce waste by-laws and deter illegal dumping.

He emphasised that there are plans for a waste by-law review to strengthen enforcement and develop a strategy to combat illegal dumping, including educational campaigns to promote better waste management practices.

While the metro continues to make efforts to alleviate this issue, persistent illegal dumping remains a cause for concern in Centurion.

Ward 64 Councillor Alta De Kock expressed her concerns regarding rampant illegal dumping near Panorama Road in Centurion.

She stated that residents in The Reeds face serious health and environmental risks.

“The illegal dumping at this site is a huge problem at the moment,” she said.

She mentioned that there is also illegal cutting and dumping of wood on street corners in the area.

“One of my other big concerns is the illegal traders in the area. I have spoken to them multiple times about their activities, but they continue to disregard regulations.”

Residents in The Reeds are also at their wits’ end regarding this troubling situation.

Niel van der Merwe stated that the situation on the corner of Rietspruit and Panorama roads has deteriorated significantly, with waste frequently discarded and reports of fires during hot weather.

“The situation has been extremely bad for years now and continues to get worse,” he said.

In November of last year, other residents raised similar concerns about the ongoing burning of waste and illegal mining of sand in the area, severely affecting their daily lives.

At that time, Charles Kuppusamy, a concerned community member, noted the alarming air pollution from burning waste, which affects the health of residents, especially those with respiratory conditions.

“The air quality here is unbearable. Every night, the smoke from burning waste fills our homes, and it’s getting harder to breathe,” Kuppusamy said.

He expressed worry that continuous inhalation of smoke and noxious fumes could have lasting effects on their children as well.

“We’ve seen more people, especially the elderly and young children, developing respiratory issues, and we fear for our future,” Kuppusamy added.

He also mentioned the situation in Brakfontein, where illegal dumping, including medical waste, has caused a hazard.

“The presence of vermin, such as rodents and mosquitoes, poses additional threats, leading to fears about the spread of diseases in the area.”

In Ward 57, Councillor David Farquharson highlighted similar issues next to Plant Ranch along Rabie Street in Die Hoewes, where illegal dumping remains a concern.

He added that there is also illegal trading of artistic artefacts happening near the site.

“Illegal dumping is a problem on North Street as well; however, there is a difficulty in addressing dumping at this site because some of it is on military land.”

ALSO READ: Collect your SASSA older person grant today

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.