A short-term solution to avoid a crisis that the closure of the Oatlands landfill site would cause is in the pipeline, with partial funding finally available.

Concerns were raised by Ramsgate Conservancy that Oatlands is reaching its maximum capacity.

The conservancy says a smaller area has been identified nearby that can be prepared and ready for use, hopefully, before the present section has to be closed.

The expected lifespan of this new area would only be 22 months so preparations for the next phase will need to begin early in the new year, to avoid a repeat of this sort of crisis management.

“The very real possibility of all the refuse on the South Coast piling up on the streets is just too awful to imagine,” said the conservancy.

“The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated and all involved need to get the process fast tracked without any further delay.”

Measures are being proposed to encourage residents to send their garden refuse to the designated composting sites instead of dumping it at Oatlands, which will significantly prolong the lifespan of the site.

Ray Nkonyeni Municipality spokesperson, Simon April said that according to the municipality’s previous response, the issue of Oatlands landfill site is receiving the attention it deserves, and it is being handled by the municipal manager’s office.

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