The Freedom Front Plus reported Govan Mbeki Municipality to the Green Scorpions for allegedly not complying with regulations for dumping sites.
They claim Govan Mbeki Municipality is not keeping the minimum requirements according to law when it comes to dumping sites.
According to Louise Jonker, Freedom Front Plus councillor, the municipality closed the dumping sites in Kinross and Evander for rehabilitation, but no rehabilitation had been done.
“Residents of the Govan Mbeki municipal area are victims of poor refuse removal and thus dump refuse illegally next to the roads leading to the dumping sites,” said Jonker.
According to her, the municipality currently owns a fleet of 20 refuse removal trucks, but only eight of them are functioning.
“Twelve of these trucks have been in the workshop for repairs for months. Municipal workers have to work under difficult circumstances without the necessary personal protective equipment and clothes.”
Jonker added, “According to the municipality’s community department, the fee raised for refuse removal is the second biggest financial contribution of the municipality, but it is not used for the department.
The budget for refuse removal was cut and the money was divided between different, other municipal departments.”
Jonker believes the illegal dumping of refuse not only creates an ethical problem, but is also a risk to people’s health, especially if toxic materials are dumped.
“The municipality must be held accountable if it is found that they are not keeping their constitutional duty to create an environment that is safe for the residents’ health and well-being.”
The Ridge Times asked the communications department at Govan Mbeki Municipality for comment, but they have not responded at the time of going to print.
