Durban - eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda has announced that steps that will be undertaken by the municipality to assist waste pickers at the Buffelsdraai landfill site, north of Durban.
The announcement was made on Thursday after the City said it had a fruitful community meeting on Wednesday.
The meeting came after a violent confrontation last week between waste pickers and security guards that led to the death of one person and injuries on both sides, the City said.
The provincial police said last week that Verulam police were investigating charges of murder and attempted murder following the incident on July 12.
Kaunda said landfills had 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.
Kaunda added that the waste pickers would be provided 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.
The City said the landfill site remains closed and people should 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 [email protected]