Time for some trash talk, Knysna
The Knysna business community and local residents have joined forces to voice their strong dissatisfaction with the waste transfer station at the old Waste by Rail site, which has become an ongoing health hazard in the heart of the town. The site’s proximity to the estuary and the overflow of the waste system pose significant health risks to the broader community.
Numerous negative effects
Additionally, the presence of smell pollution, an increase in the rat population and the emergence of a squatter camp on the dumpsite's premises have further magnified the concerns. "We are aware of the issue concerning vagrants residing along waste on rail tracks," said Municipal Manager Ombali Sebola. "To address this concern, we are in the process of establishing a homeless shelter. It is our commitment to prioritise individuals affected by this situation and ensure suitable placements for them."
The negative impact on tourism, especially as the season approaches, has raised alarm bells, prompting business owners along Waterfront Drive area to propose several solutions to address the issue. However, a resolution is still pending, leaving the community anxious for action.
Several negative effects that stem from the waste system overflow have resulted in a chain of socio-economic and environmental issues. Concern among the locals is growing since the waste transfer station poses a safety risk to both regular visitors and locals living and working in the area.
The topic of who has the responsibility of managing the site has been raised by the business sector, as residents don't know where to air their ongoing concerns.
Two weeks to clear
In the Section 80 meeting for Community Services which was held on Wednesday 15 November, the waste transfer station was a prominent topic of discussion. It was noted that before a resolution can be adopted, the matter of the site must be brought up in council.
Numerous suggestions were made to address the problem and launch the Waste to Energy project. Sebola confirmed that the municipality has received a letter from Environmental Affairs giving it 14 days to clean the area and present a plan for resolving the waste issues in Knysna. Additionally, the municipality was advised to
take action to prevent sewage from entering storm drains and polluting the estuary.
Working to a solution
"Our Waste Management department is actively working on addressing the current backlog," said Sebola. "To expedite this process, we have rented additional vehicles to assist in the execution of waste management tasks. Furthermore, our own truck, currently under repairs, is scheduled to be back in operation from next week.
“The proposals for waste-to-energy initiatives have been presented to the council's Portfolio Committee for Planning and Development for consideration.
“However, it is crucial to note that such processes are subject to guidelines and regulations set forth by the Department of Environmental Affairs. The municipality is actively exploring options to minimise waste in order to address the challenge of transporting it to Mossel Bay."
Pending the portfolio committee meeting, the broader community holds hope for an effective solution to relocate the waste station and combat the ongoing environmental issues that come with it.
The community is hopeful that the solutions will ensure the proper waste management of the town and maintain the overall natural beauty Knysna is known for.