Residents are urged to comment on the draft Fairland Pikitup dump Environmental Impact Assessment report
Councillor Beverly Jacobs says it is important for all voices to be heard in the process for it to be settled fairly.
As previously reported, the Fairland Pikitup dump has been closed for several months while an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was carried out. The draft report was completed in November and is open for public comment until January 18, 2023.
Ward 98 councillor Beverly Jacobs said, “All residents whether they are for or against the proposed changes to the Pikitup dump have an opportunity to comment on this. It is so important for all voices to be heard in order for this process to move on in a free and fair manner.”
This process was necessitated after Pikitup began expanding the site without proper processes being followed and without an EIA being conducted. Outraged homeowners and others who have been vigorous in their attempts to ensure any development on the site is done lawfully and in a way that will not negatively affect them.
The expansion of the garden refuse site if approved, would also accept plastics, glass, paper, e-waste, limited rubble, and cans. Pikitup would dispose of items that are unable to be reused at a registered landfill site.
The draft EIA report was compiled by several experts who all contributed to the document which is now available for public comment. Involved in this was a heritage specialist, a plant (vegetation) specialist, civil engineer, geo-technical investigator, traffic engineer, noise practitioner, and Grace Magaya, an environmental practitioner.
Magaya said, “Written notification has been sent to residents who have previously registered to participate in this process. However, anyone is able to comment and register to be included in future communications.”
If anyone would like to receive the draft EIA report and submit a comment, with reasons, an email can be sent to grace@gkmenvironmental.co.za. The report is also available at the Blackheath Library, corner Beyers Naudé Drive and Castlehill Drive in Blackheath, Randburg.
