The local and district municipalities have turned a blind eye to the ongoing violations of various regulations and bylaws concerning a recycling company located on Josias Street in Odendaalsrus.
“For years, violations related to business zoning, environmental standards, and health and safety regulations have persisted without any legal action being taken,” says Jessica Nel DA councillor at the Matjhabeng Local Municipality.
On 5 August 2024, a compliance notice was issued under Section 106 of the Municipal Land Use Planning By-law, instructing the unnamed business to cease its illegal waste recycling operations within 30 days.
However, Nel points out that as of today, these operations continue without any consequences, and the compliance notice fails to address critical health and safety breaches.
Nel did an oversight inspection at the business and uncovered various issues, including that the site is not zoned for the business activities being conducted there.
She also noted that occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, mandates that employees must work in a safe environment.
None such regulations are being followed.
The business is also in violation of the National Environmental Management: Waste Management Act and the National Health Act.
The company is stacking bales of waste in such a way that poses a severe fire hazard to nearby residents and businesses.
Furthermore, the long-term stacking of bales leads to infestations of rodents, snakes, and other pests.
“There is a petrol station located behind the site and they use a municipal road named Josias Street during operations while creating a danger for passing traffic.
Councillor Nel noted that this matter has been reported multiple times in the past, yet no effective measures have been taken to resolve the situation.
“We support recycling, but it must be conducted within legal parameters to ensure the safety of our environment and community.”
Nel emphasised that urgent communication has been sent to the Department of Local Economic Development, Town Planning, District Environmental Affairs, and the Municipal Manager regarding this issue, and actions will be closely monitored.
“We champion business initiatives and encourage the Department of Local Economic Development in Matjhabeng to assist the recycling company in relocating its operations to the industrial area of Odendaalsrus.
“This will ensure compliance with relevant zoning regulations as per Waste Management and Recycling policies. Recycling is crucial for environmental preservation, but it must occur in designated areas that are appropriately zoned for Waste and Recycling Management, which is currently not the case,” she says.
