AfriForum on non-complying landfill sites

AfriForum has disclosed that only four out of 12 landfill sites in Limpopo adhere to national standards.

This after the organization audited 127 landfill sites in all nine provinces.

AfriForum’s media relations officer, Carina Bester, said in a statement on Tuesday 28 May that the audit was done as part of its national project to measure the standard of landfill sites
nationwide.

The comparison against the worst in percentage indicates that Mookgophong is at 34%, with Makhado at 84% and Bela-Bela at 40%.

“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 and rehabilitation. A landfill site must obtain at least 80% to comply with legislation,” the statement added.

According to AfriForum’s Assistant Coordinator for the Soutpansberg region, David Rule, more than half of the landfill sites in Limpopo are in a shameful state.

“More than half of the landfill sites are in a shameful state and this can mainly be attributed to the absolute decay of municipalities in the province. Wasteful expenditure and
maladministration are big causes for concern in the province. Finances are used inefficiently and the necessary machinery is in disrepair due to insufficient maintenance,” he said.

AfriForum branches will apply pressure on authorities to establish waste monitoring committees to improve the waste management process.

The audit report will be handed over to the Green Scorpions for further investigation and action against guilty municipalities.

— The BEAT