The Morgenzon dumpsite is in an abysmal state, with medical waste and animal carcasses strewn about the premises.
According to the latest AfriForum landfill audit report, this dumpsite does not comply with any regulations whatsoever.
“The lack of signage indicating that the dumpsite is in that area is only one example of the non-compliance of the site,” said Hennie Bekker, AfriForum’s district co-ordinator for the Highveld.
The site’s entrance has no correct signage, just a pile of waste. Animals like horses and cattle can easily access the premises and graze among the waste because there is no gate. The site has no security to check the contents of waste dropped off by residents.
“One cannot dispose of old tyres, carcasses, or medical waste on dumpsites,” explained Bekker.
On this site, multiple sheep, pig, dog and other animal carcasses lie between the piles of waste.
The smell of death is overwhelming. Medical waste lies in many places on the site. Also discarded at some point were full packages of soybean inoculant.
“The dumpsite is supposed to have a machine that can level the waste with ground. However, the farmers in the area show up to do it because the waste gets so bad on some days that the road becomes inaccessible,” added Bekker.
The site has no one monitoring the recyclers, who often start fires to retrieve wire from tyres. Drainage management is non-existent, and the site has no manager to ensure people follow procedures.
Furthermore, the terrain does not have a valid permit. According to Bekker, the permit for Morgenzon dumpsite expired, and the terrain should have been closed down six years ago.
“Due to shoddy planning from Lekwa, no plan was drafted for a new terrain, and residents must make do with the absolute safety and health hazard that is the Morgenzon dumpsite,” said Bekker.
Mayor Louis Thabete addressed this issue in a recent live broadcast. According to him, the Lekwa Local Municipality has appointed a service provider to help refurbish the site.
“This service provider will help us to get the dumpsite in line with the stipulations in the legislation,” said Thabete.
