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The Democratic Alliance (DA) Councillor in Phumelela Local Municipality Ntombi Mokoena says the DA will escalate Phumelela Municipality’s failure to manage waste disposal responsibly to the Free State Department of Environmental Affairs.
According to Mokoena, the municipality has neglected its duty to establish and regulate legal dumping sites, leading to uncontrolled waste disposal that harms the environment, endangers livestock, and poses serious health risks to residents.
During a site visit to the Warden dumping sites, DA Councillor Mokoena and DA Member of the Free State Provincial Legislature (MPL), David Masoeu, allegedly witnessed first-hand the appalling state of waste management.
“Municipal tractors were seen dumping waste indiscriminately, without any regulation or designated areas. This reckless behaviour has transformed open spaces into illegal landfill sites, creating hazardous conditions for the community.
A particularly alarming consequence of this mismanagement is its impact on farmers and their livestock. With waste being dumped haphazardly, cattle have been found feeding on hazardous materials. Farmers have reported multiple livestock deaths due to the ingestion of plastic, rotten food, and other harmful substances,” said Ntombi Mokoena.
“Despite submitting a formal complaint to the municipality in December, their concerns have been ignored, demonstrating blatant disregard for their livelihoods and animal welfare.
In contrast, the DA also visited the Vrede dumping site, where a private company manages waste disposal effectively. Unlike the dire conditions in Warden, the Vrede site is properly maintained and follows clear waste disposal protocols. This difference highlights the municipality’s incompetence in managing its facilities and ensuring safe, sanitary waste disposal,” she continued.
Mokoena says the repercussions of this negligence extend beyond the farming community. Unregulated waste sites contribute to environmental degradation, attract pests and disease, and lower the quality of life for residents.
Furthermore, the risk of groundwater contamination from unregulated dumping endangers the health of those who rely on local water sources.
“We will push for urgent intervention to establish and maintain designated dumping sites, preventing further harm to the community.
Residents deserve a clean and safe environment, and the DA remains committed to ensuring this fundamental right is upheld,” said the DA Councillor.
Phumelela Local Municipality is yet to respond to the allegations.
