The Freedom Front Plus (FF+) has criticised the sudden closure of the Waltloo Garden Refuse Transfer Station in the east of Pretoria.

The party warned that the closure could contribute to illegal dumping in surrounding communities.

According to FF Plus councillor Mari Joubert, the party conducted an oversight visit to the facility following numerous complaints from residents and garden service operators who say they have been unable to access the site.

Joubert said the entrance gate was blocked with large stones and tree stumps, while workers in municipal uniforms were seen sitting under a tree.

“No members of the public were being allowed entry,” said Joubert.

She said the transfer station is reportedly closed due to a breakdown of a tractor-loader-backhoe (TLB) used on-site.

“Residents are now required to travel several kilometres to dispose of garden waste at alternative facilities, including the Menlopark and Magalieskruin transfer stations.”

Joubert explained that residents may dispose of up to 1.3 tonnes of household and garden waste free of charge. Waste exceeding that limit is charged at R230 per tonne.

She said the situation is unacceptable and places an unfair burden on residents.

“The closure of the Waltloo Transfer Station is seriously detrimental to residents and small garden service businesses who rely on this facility,” Joubert said.

“When access to waste disposal is restricted, illegal dumping inevitably increases. The metro cannot encourage residents to make use of transfer stations while failing to keep them operational,” she added.

Joubert said the FF+ has written to the Mayoral Committee Member for Environmental Affairs and Agriculture, Obakeng Ramabobu, demanding the immediate reopening of the facility.

“A broken TLB cannot be used as justification to suspend such an essential public service. The machinery must be repaired without delay, and in the interim, the city should hire or borrow equipment to ensure the station remains functional,” she said.

She said the party has indicated it will continue to monitor the situation closely and apply pressure to the Tshwane metro until the Waltloo Garden Refuse Transfer Station is reopened to the public.

By the time of publication, the metro had not replied to Rekord’s query.

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