Waste incinerator project plan is flawed

(“Gigaba critical of waste project”, Weekend Argus, February 3) refers.

The Drakenstein Municipality’s engineering services executive director, Mr Dirk Hattingh, said “that the condonation application was declined does not carry much weight”.

“The refusal does not set aside any decision or agreement.

“The decision also does not question the need, merits or sustainability of the project.”

Mr Hattingh’s statement is illogical. One of the reasons given by Minister of Finance Malusi Gigaba for declining the municipality’s condonation application is because the municipality had “failed to conduct a feasibility study before inviting proposals from service providers”.

In order to determine “merit” one needs a yardstick or comparative standard.

Hattingh needs to explain how it is possible to determine “the need, merits or sustainability of the incinerator” when no specifications were provided of the incinerator proposed for Wellington.

How was he able to compare the advantages and disadvantages of the incinerator with other viable waste minimisation and beneficiation options when none were provided?

There are many other violations committed by the Drakenstein Municipality with regards to the Waste Incinerator Project that will have serious financial, health, environmental, and socio-economic consequences for the community.