Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by David van Vuuren MPL and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL
The DA will write to the MEC for COGTA, Mr Saki Mokoena, to request stricter oversight on the Mangaung Municipality’s plan to ensure the proper functioning of the Southern landfill site in Bloemfontein. A recent oversight visit to the landfill site revealed numerous examples of health, environmental and statutory violations.
We have also received reports that fires have again broken out at the landfill site, a recurring issue that haunts the residents of neighbouring suburbs. Smoke and soot cover everything on their properties and often completely contaminate the air, making it difficult to breathe.
The most recent fire that broke out a few weeks ago took the municipality more than a week to get under control. Other issues, like the lack of adequate yellow fleet to separate waste and mitigate disasters, have exacerbated the situation.
The Municipality indicated to the DA that it has approved a plan to revitalise the landfill site to ensure it complies with environmental requirements and is safe for the public to use. This plan includes fencing around the site, evicting illegal squatters, removing all the old tires to a recycling plant and ensuring safe access and use of the site.
Access to the landfill site further exacerbates the issues facing the site. The newly built bridge over Vereeniging Avenue, which is adjacent to the landfill site, has resulted in an extended distance needed to drive of more than 16km to get access to the site.
Due to this excessive distance, many people illegally dump their refuse next to the road. This is causing a huge public health risk and requires urgent intervention from the municipality.
We will also request the municipality to open the access road to the landfill from the northern side, which will provide relief from illegal dumping.