Standerton Dumpsite concerns persist despite improvements
Most internal roads in the dumpsite are inaccessible due to overgrown grass and piles of rubble, further complicating movement within the site.
While the Standerton Dumpsite has seen gradual improvements over the past few months, several critical issues remain unaddressed.
A recent visit by the Standerton Advertiser revealed that the fencing around the site remains inadequate, contradicting claims made in an AfriForum media statement.
This civil rights organisation previously said the dumpsite had neat fencing and security personnel who kept records of visitors.
However, the Standerton Advertiser’s findings show that:
• parts of the fence have been down for weeks, allowing recyclers to enter through gaps instead of checking in at the front gate;
• parts of the fence are bent, simplifying unauthorised access.
While AfriForum claims the removal of informal structures, many recyclers still live on-site in existing structures. According to Leon Enslin of AfriForum, there should be a burn path along the fence for emergency vehicle access in case of a fire or other disasters.
This matter remains unaddressed. Most internal roads in the dumpsite are inaccessible due to overgrown grass and piles of rubble, further complicating movement within the site.
Despite regular vehicle checks, banned items like tyres and conveyor belts continue to get dumped at the site.
Its weighbridge does not operate on weekends, which could lead to inaccurate waste records and hinder future rehabilitation efforts.
Crucial equipment is left to rust instead of being serviced, while the municipality spends money renting machinery instead of repairing its own.
The Standerton Advertiser sent several enquiries to Lubabalo Majenge, the communications officer for the Lekwa Local Municipality, on March 18. However, it had received no response at the time of publication.
