Vandalised landfill and no collections leave Sterkstroom residents frustrated

“We’ve Never Seen Weekend Collections” — Sterkstroom Residents Reject Municipality’s Refuse Claims

Residents of Sterkstroom have challenged claims by the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality that refuse is collected on weekends, saying they have never experienced such a service and were never informed that the local landfill site had been officially closed.

A Sterkstroom resident, who requested anonymity, told Komani News that refuse collection in the area effectively collapsed around August 2024, forcing residents to either hire private waste collectors or transport refuse themselves.

“Well, I have yet to have the honour of my refuse being collected on a weekend,” the resident said. “I certainly cannot verify this arrangement.”

Residents Forced to Dump Refuse Themselves

According to the resident, some households in Sterkstroom pay private individuals to remove their refuse, while others transport it personally to the local landfill site.

“I take my own refuse to the dump,” the resident said, adding that there is no fee charged to dispose of waste at the site.

The resident recently visited the Sterkstroom landfill site and documented its condition, describing widespread vandalism and a complete lack of access control.

Vandalised Landfill Site Raises Concerns

Photographs taken at the site show that fencing and gates have been destroyed, while the small control office and toilet facilities have been vandalised.

“There is no fencing or gates left. Even what should be a control office and its loo have been vandalised,” the resident said.

According to the resident, refuse is being dumped even before entering the landfill site, a situation they believe points to long-term neglect rather than a recently closed facility.

“At no stage can I recall that the site was ever officially closed,” the resident said.

Municipality Maintains Site Is Unlicensed

In response to questions from Komani News, Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality spokesperson Sandiso Gcobo said the Sterkstroom landfill site is currently not licensed, and that all official operations there have been halted.

“Refuse collection is done on weekends in Sterkstroom and Molteno, and refuse collected is disposed of at the Queenstown landfill site,” Gcobo said.

He added that the municipality is aware of vandalism at the landfill site and has assessed the cost required to erect new fencing.

Illegal Dumping Warning Questioned by Residents

Gcobo warned that any dumping at the Sterkstroom landfill site is considered illegal and urged residents to wait for scheduled refuse collection days.

However, residents questioned how they are expected to comply when they say refuse trucks do not arrive and no alternative disposal arrangements have been clearly communicated.

Residents also expressed concern that the lack of visible enforcement, signage, or official closure notices at the landfill site has contributed to confusion in the community.

Call for Clear Communication and Action

Community members are now calling on the municipality to provide clear communication regarding refuse collection schedules, formally secure the landfill site, and urgently restore reliable waste services in Sterkstroom.

Until then, residents warn that illegal dumping and environmental risks are likely to worsen.