New waste facility averts crisis
The atmosphere of celebration was tangible at the launch of the regional waste disposal facility - the first ever public-private partnership (PPP) of its kind.
The project, a partnership between the Garden Route District Municipality (GDRM) and Eden Waste Management Pty Ltd, was launched in Hartenbos on Friday 7 February in the presence of some 200 guests.
Solution to a ‘crisis’
“South Africa has a serious waste problem. This project has to work. We don’t have an option,” said Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell. “This project has always been one of the top priorities for the department in the Western Cape. We are in the process of establishing nine big regional waste facilities across the province.”
Garden Route District Municipality Mayor, Memory Booysen, said the district has had to cope with many crises in the past.
“During my time in office, we have dealt with the devastation of drought and avian flu. Waste would have been our next crisis. Today, we celebrated the culmination of 14 years of hard work,” he said.
The new facility, located next to PetroSA, aims to stimulate the waste economy, create jobs and reduce the environmental impact of waste management in the region.
Region and beyond
The facility will accommodate 8 500 tons of domestic waste generated monthly by the George, Mossel Bay, Knysna, Bitou and Kannaland municipalities. It is designed to also accommodate domestic waste from Hessequa and Oudtshoorn in future.
The facility will have a life span of approximately 30 years. A domestic waste cell and a separate hazardous waste cell will be included at the facility. Other infrastructure includes roads, storm water pipelines, a leachate storage dam, offices, a laboratory, a weighbridge, fencing and security infrastructure. The facility will cover an area of 115 hectares the GDRM is implementing alternative technology at the facility to accommodate certain organic waste streams.
During the sod-turning event, Booysen said they are planning to add a chemical factory as well as a tyre recycling plant.