Unbearable smells and huge rats raiding their houses will soon be history for a community living near an illegal waste site in Alexandra, which was closed down on Tuesday.
Gauteng environment minister Khabisi Mosunkutu visited the site to issue a final warning to SA Waste company management for operating an illegal waste site.
”It [the waste site] will shut down with immediate effect and the company has been given 14 days to remove rubbish from the area,” spokesperson Sizwe Matshikiza said.
During his first visit, Mosunkutu delivered a notice to the management of SA Waste, warning it of possible closure of the site if it could not bring reasonable motivation against such closure within two working days.
Accompanied by officials from the national Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Mosunkutu paid a surprise visit to the site on May 12 to discuss the health risks posed by the illegal dumping site with the surrounding communities and to hear their views on its closure.
After this inspection, the company submitted its presentation on why more stringent measures should not be taken against its operations.
SA Waste made the submission that, according to Matshikiza, mainly spoke about the difficulties that would be endured by the number of workers who would be affected if the plant was shut down.
SA Waste director Herman Ackermann said that after the last inspection, the company suggested that either the plant be closed or an amicable recovery process be worked out, which might take slightly longer.
”This is only the recycling part of our business. We agree with the department that it is in the interests of the environment to shut the site down until such time as there are specific guidelines, which all people can adhere to,” Ackermann said.
Mosunkutu considered the issues in the submission as well as the well-being of the wider community that wanted the place shut down.
”The MEC decided to prioritise the well-being of communities and the environment.
”The community welcomed the move. Apart from the stink and the fact that their houses are being raided by huge rats, the company is operating illegally,” said Matshikiza.
He said SA Waste did not have authorisation to operate a landfill site. There had been no environmental impact assessment to verify the establishment’s impact on the environment.
”This is not a landfill site or a transfer facility. It is a recycling plant, which is a relatively new industry in South Africa and as such does not have formulated guidelines,” said Ackermann.
He said recycling sites are a grey area and he is pleased the government is setting about establishing guidelines. — Sapa