When responding to a question asked by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kgatleng West, Dr Unity Dow on Wednesday this week, Motshegwa said: ”These fires release smoke into the atmosphere, which significantly impacts the surrounding villages, including Pilane, Bokaa, Morwa, Rasesa, and Raserura.” Dow had asked the Minister whether he was aware of the health hazards posed by the landfill to residents of Pilane, Morwa, and Raserura. The MP also wanted to know what plans are in place to deal with the problem and whether the minister is aware that the facility is a private one as opposed to a public one, it would have long been closed; and why there are different standards for government and the private sector. Motshegwa said the ministry, through the Kgatleng District Council, continues to address the issue with its stakeholders including waste reclaimers. He said in the short term, the Kgatleng District Council is mobilising resources to compact and cover the waste starting the week of March 17, 2025. He added: “This intervention is expected to help prevent frequent firebreaks by ensuring that biomass is properly managed and does not ignite.” He explained that, initially, additional landfill cells were planned and funded to address the challenges at the Pilane landfill.
However, due to spatial constraints, it has since become necessary to identify a new site for the landfill. He pointed out that while the existing site will be rehabilitated, a new integrated waste management facility will be constructed at Dikwididi. “The new facility will be integrated in nature and will promote waste value chain as well as mitigating on potential environmental impacts,” he said. The minister pointed out that the envisaged facility will be integrated in nature whereby it is designed to manage solid waste in a way that minimises environmental impact, maximises resource recovery, and promotes public health.
