GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Construction of the Garden Route District Municipality's (GRMD) regional waste management facility outside Mossel Bay, next to PetroSA, is progressing according to schedule.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of February. According to Johan Gie, manager of district waste management, the project is being constructed by Civils 2000 at a contract value of R109m.
The participating municipalities across the Garden Route whose existing landfill sites continue to fill up will be able to transport their waste to this site.
Gie said as the Garden Route's population continues to grow and economic activity expands, the amount of waste generated each year is also increasing, and the need for this project has never been greater.
Unlike older landfill sites, modern waste management facilities are designed with engineered systems that minimise the risk of pollution reaching the surrounding land and water resources. One of the most important components currently under construction is Cell 1A, the first engineered landfill cell.
Gie said specialised lining materials are being installed beneath the landfill to create a protective barrier between the waste and the natural environment. Once completed, this will become the facility's first operational disposal area. Leachate and contaminated stormwater will be safely collected and stored.
Construction on the operational infrastructure is also being done. The office block will become the administrative centre for the site, while the weighbridge office will record every vehicle entering and leaving the facility. This information will assist with landfill operations, regulatory compliance and waste disposal data management.
Photos: Garden Route District Municipality
Work is also under way on the workshop, perimeter fencing and concrete access roads, all of which will contribute to the safe and efficient day-to-day operation of the facility.
Gie said residents also have an important role to play by reducing waste, recycling and participating in source separation programmes within their local municipality. By reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill and separating recyclable materials at source, households can help extend the lifespan of disposal facilities while also contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable Garden Route.
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