A fruitful community meeting was held today, 19 July at the Buffelsdraai Sportsfield following the looting and torching of the Buffelsdraai Landfill Site. EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda announced bold steps by the Municipality to assist waste pickers.

ETHEKWINI Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda has announced bold steps by the Municipality to assist waste pickers at the Buffelesdraai Landfill Site. This announcement comes after a fruitful community meeting was held today, 19 July following the looting and torching of the site. 

A violent confrontation last week between waste pickers and security guards led to the death of one person and
injuries on both sides. Mayor Kaunda said landfills have adverse effects on human life and the Municipality cannot 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. “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,” said the Mayor. The City, said Mayor Kaunda, understands the plight of waste pickers. “Hence, we have come up with 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,” added the Mayor. While the landfill site remains 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 inquiries, residents can contact the Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit helpline on 031 311 8804 or email dsw@durban.gov.za