Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Small Sehume.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ngwathe Local Municipality will submit a formal request for comprehensive records and compliance reports on all operational landfill sites in the municipality to the municipal manager, F.P. Mothamaha.
Widespread community complaints and on-site observations have identified potential violations of environmental and public health laws, prompting this action. By taking this action, we aim to ensure that Ngwathe’s landfill management does not put locals or the environment at risk.
In addition to posing serious health risks to residents, poorly managed landfills can cause long-term environmental damage. It is against the law to dispose of waste in locations that are not authorised or licensed for this purpose, and the municipality is seriously failing to fulfil its obligations if these rules are not followed.
In particular, we are enquiring whether suitable signage indicating the acceptable waste types and operating hours has been posted at each landfill site, both at entrances and in all official languages. To ensure that safe and effective access is maintained, it is also necessary to clarify the state of internal roads and access.
The number of landfill sites operating with or without valid permits, along with the pertinent licence numbers and issue dates, needs to be clarified further. We also seek data on the number of unofficial recyclers at each location, the landfill’s intended capacity, the amount of capacity already utilised, and the anticipated time remaining before the sites reach capacity.
To evaluate remaining capacity and regulatory compliance, we require information on the current waste offset rate per site and the date of the most recent professional survey.
This issue warrants serious consideration because it affects not only environmental safety but also public health and legal compliance.
The DA will closely monitor the municipality’s response and, should no action be taken, escalate the matter to the appropriate oversight structures.
Residents of Ngwathe deserve a clean and legally compliant waste management system that protects both people and the planet.