More questions over safety of public at municipal dumps

CONCERNS for public safety at the municipal dumps have again been raised, despite tens of millions of rands being spent on upgrading the facility in an effort to address this ongoing problem.

In October last year, the site, situated just outside Kimberley, was officially reopened by the Sol Plaatje executive mayor, Mangaliso Matika, following upgrades amounting to nearly R30 million.

This came as a result of decisions to “extend the lifespan” of the existing site rather than to construct a new landfill, which would have come with a price tag of around R70 million (for the construction costs only).

These upgrades included a fence, access control station, weighbridge, access road, garden refuse drop-off zone, ablution facilities (with toilets and showers), running water and electricity, as well as several high mast lights and 24-hour security officials on site, aimed at addressing the massive problem of illegal dumping in Kimberley.

A Kimberley resident, however, has questioned whether these upgrades actually had the desired effect after her husband and an employee were accosted by several people at the dump, where, she pointed out, there were no security measures in sight.

“My husband and our gardener went to the dumps last week, towing a full trailer,” she explained. “Half the load was rubble and the other half was our gardener’s personal belongings, including his bicycle.

“The idea was that they would offload the refuse at the landfill and then my husband would drop him and his belongings at his home.”

The concerned resident said that the pair had arrived at the site at around 3pm without an official in sight.

“The only people there were the thugs that came scurrying over to see what was being dumped,” she added. “They wanted to take our gardener’s things, including his bicycle and when my husband told them to leave the possessions alone, they just stared at him.

“In the end, the only item of value that was taken was a vacuum cleaner.

“This isn’t the first bad experience we have had but after the ‘revamp’, we thought the site was safe to visit.

“Last year, the municipality gave the impression that there would be 24-hour security onsite and that the whole area was going to be organised with drop-off points for recycling.

“We also heard of a stabbing that took place so this is the last time we will go to the dumps. It’s clear not safe and I can’t help but wonder how that R28 million is being spent.”

The DFA visited the premises early on Friday afternoon where no security guards or officials were found on site.