Conservancy News

A Rubbish Story

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Parent Category: News

Created on Monday, 01 November 2010 05:50

Last Updated on Saturday, 05 January 2013 04:12

Published on Monday, 01 November 2010 05:50

Written by Anne Scotting

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Historically the landfill site in Vaalwater has been a disaster zone. Until last year it was a ‘free-for-all’ site, with children running all over it, donkeys wandering around, and people picking over the “spoils” to see what they could salvage. People living in the vicinity of the dump were ill and children who took time off from school to go there also became ill. Not a pretty set of circumstances.

In 2009 one Charles Bjaloane Malesela wrote a grievance letter to the health inspector, subsequent to which he was assisted by the local Municipality and the Police Commissioner to get hold of the right people. There was an article published in the Limpopo Beat, in July 2009, about his story and successful plea.

Charles is now employed by the Modimolle Municipality and, with assistance from Isaac, manages the site. The site is now fenced, and different areas are demarcated for different waste types – agricultural waste, general waste and recycling. On Fridays, a truck collects the sorted glass/tins/paper/plastics, hauling it all away for proper recycling.
YES, RECYCLING has arrived in Vaalwater.

I believe that everyone should make every effort to support this initiative. It is a rare occurrence these days to find someone who tries to make a difference. In achieving what he has, Charles is helping to keep the environment clean and enable himself and others to make a bit of a living. I take my hat off to him.

For our part, all we’ve done was to buy a couple more bins and separate bottles/glass, tins/cans, plastics and papers. When they are full we run them to the dump. How difficult is that?

Lodges around the Waterberg can make a huge difference is this respect. All it takes is a run to town with loaded bins. This will also keep the use of burn pits to a minimum.

An appeal to all in the Waterberg Region to support this initiative, and make a difference.