Gauteng landfill sites in acceptable state
The Weltevreden Landfill Site in Brakpan scored 91 per cent.
AfriForum audited 135 landfill sites nationwide this year as part of its national project to measure the standard of landfill sites in South Africa.
Eleven of the 16 landfill sites that were audited in Gauteng adhered to national standards.
In terms of applicable legislation and regulations, including the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (No. 59 of 2008), a landfill site must adhere to specific standards.
The audit consists of a list of 33 questions that measure the minimum requirements for landfill sites in South Africa and includes factors, such as access control, fires, medical waste, fencing, rehabilitation.
A landfill site must obtain at least 80 per cent to comply with legislation.
The Weltevreden Landfill Site in Brakpan scored 91 per cent.
According to Sampie Steinberg, AfriForum’s district coordinator for Greater Pretoria, most of the landfill sites in Gauteng are in a suitable state.
“The larger landfill sites are well managed, but the management of smaller sites deserve more attention,” he said.
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Steinberg says the most common problems AfriForum identified during the audit were, among others, the absence of waste management licences, the complete mismanagement of sites and the poor maintenance of fences and gates.
Because of misapplying of funds and mismanagement by municipalities, landfill sites have become homes to homeless people.
Many sites are unsafe and inaccessible to residents who want to make use if it.
AfriForum branches will also exercise pressure on authorities in their areas to establish waste monitoring committees to improve the waste management process.
These committees will consist of municipalities and interested parties wanting to improve waste management in a particular town.
AfriForum will arrange a meeting with Barbara Creecy, minister of Environmental Affairs, to identify sites that need to be restored and reach the necessary standards.
The audit report will also be submitted to the Green Scorpions for further investigation and action against non-compliant municipalities.
AfriForum will continuously monitor the process to ensure landfill sites are improved to reach the required standards.
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