SEDC to stem stench with new landfill compactor
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday December 7, 2018 13:54
The old compactor has been having a problem since last year and the council kept on trying to fix it though it had broken down several times.
In October 2017, the machine must have broken down so irreparably waste materials continued being dumped into the landfill without it being compacted.
The break down led to a stinky environment characterised by waste blown all over by air, green flies and a strong stench feared to be capable of harming humans, the environment and even livestock of those staying nearby and motorists using the A1 to Lobatse. SEDC landfill is between Boatle and Otse.
This week at a SEDC full council meeting, the chairperson Phenyo Segokgo revealed that the landfill “situation continues to create an eyesore along the adjoining environs owing to mechanical defects of the landfill compactor. However, I am pleased to inform this house that the procurement process for the replacement of the old and defective landfill compactor is almost complete and the tender has been awarded to a successful bidder at a cost of P6, 353,324.32”.
The residents of Matlapekwe and Mamaeneng lands are still complaining of stench and smoke coming from the waste. Some residents said they struggled to eat because of green flies and stench.
Recently Segokgo confirmed that the old compact machine is having technical problems.
“I am aware of the situation and we have even gone to the site even to residents of the affected lands to explain our situation. The situation is not as bad as last year October, November and December.
“We accept the blame but we are acting on it. I understand the machine keeps on working and breaking down due to technical problems. Of course it is not working like before because it is old. It was bought five years ago and again our landfill is one of the busiest,” Segokgo said.
He said the council had engaged one of the companies to try to fix the machine to no avail hence the procurement of the new one.
“I am concerned that the situation could become bad if we keep on relying on the machine which keeps breaking down going forward, especially if it could rain heavily. The council is monitoring the situation and we would keep on engaging the affected people,” he had said.