AfriForum takes Matlosana Municipality to task over illegal dumping, sets cleanup deadline
A call on the Matlosana Local Municipality to clear an illegal dumping site along the Orkney Road remains unanswered, and dumping continues unabated. AfriForum’s Klerksdorp branch is therefore demanding urgent action from the municipality, insisting that the site be cleared by Monday 7 September, or that a written action plan for the cleanup be submitted by that date.
The organisation further demands that the municipality formally inspect the site and document the extent of the dumping; that refuse and animal carcasses be removed urgently and in accordance with applicable legislation; and that preventive measures (including warning signs, monitoring, and proper law enforcement) be implemented to prevent further dumping at the site. AfriForum also insists that those responsible for the illegal dumping be identified and that action be taken against them.
This call follows a written notice sent by AfriForum to the municipality as early as April regarding the illegal dumping of household waste, building rubble, and even animal carcasses at a site near the Ysterspruit junction outside Orkney. However, the municipality has so far neither responded to the correspondence nor cleared the site. Moreover, the failure to clear the site persists despite the municipality’s plan to assemble a dedicated task team to target illegal dumping sites. According to this plan – as outlined in the municipality’s financial recovery plan, which was drawn up as early as August last year – existing staff were to be deployed for these cleanup teams.
Alta Pretorius, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for Mooi River, emphasises that the refuse and decomposing animal carcasses pose significant dangers to the environment and the community. “The waste can, among other things, pollute the stream and potential groundwater sources, spread diseases, attract vermin, and harm surrounding agricultural land and natural ecosystems,” she explains.
“It is unacceptable that the municipality, despite the serious nature of the problem and AfriForum’s written notice, has still taken no visible steps to clean up the site. This mess is not merely an unsightly embarrassment – it poses a direct threat to people, animals, and the environment,” she maintains.
SW Scott, Chairperson of AfriForum’s Klerksdorp branch, believes the municipality has a critical responsibility that must be fulfilled. “The Matlosana Municipality cannot simply ignore its responsibility towards the community and the environment. Should the municipality again fail to act by the deadline, AfriForum will consider further steps to ensure accountability,” he concludes.
Join AfriForum’s Klerksdorp branch today. Contact SW Scott (082 806 7484) for more information.
