The Buffelsdraai Landfill Site in Verulam will remain closed until further notice, the eThekwini Municipality announced on Friday morning July 20.
After a meeting was held with the community on Wednesday July 19, eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda said the municipality had taken steps to assist waste pickers at the Buffelsdraai Landfill Site.
The site was recently looted and torched following a violent confrontation between waste pickers and security guards last week. This led to the death of one person and injuries to both the waste pickers and security guards. There have been reports of more deaths and of people who are missing, however this remains unconfirmed.
Mr Kaunda said the landfill sites had adverse effects on human life and the municipality could not risk having waste pickers inside such sites.
“Following the confrontation and the destruction at the site, the municipality took a decision to close it. Residents and businesses will be advised when the site re-opens,” said Mr Kaunda.
“We must also state that no unauthorised persons are allowed at the site. This is because of the nature of the site – there is machinery that is used and harmful chemicals. These have negative effects on people.”
The mayor stressed that he understood the plight of waste pickers and that they would come up with a solution of providing them with a site for recycling purposes.
“We want to promote waste management. We also want our people to derive financial value as a means of providing for their families. That is why they will be trained on how to transform waste to wealth,” said Mr Kaunda.
Participants in the meeting included the Deputy Mayor Zandile Myeni; chairperson of the Governance and Human Capital Committee, Nkosenhle Madlala; ward councillors; the local Induna Yesizwe samaQadi, Marco Msomi; as well as representatives of COGTA (Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs) and of the local iNkosi. Leadership from the Cleansing and Solid Waste, Metro Police and labour representatives were also part of the meeting.
While the landfill site is closed, customers are advised to use the Illovo Landfill Site to dispose of general waste. This site is situated at D982, Illovo Farm. For further enquiries, residents can contact the Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit helpline on 031 311 8804 or email [email protected]
