Indiscriminate waste dumping afflicts Tlokweng District
Tlokweng District Council Chairman, Collen Mochotlhi has expressed concern about the widespread unauthorised waste dumping in the district.
He stated that with the commencement of the new financial year, the Council has enlisted four external contractors to handle the collection and safe disposal of domestic waste from 8 213 residential plots. He said this initiative has generated 96 employment opportunities.
Mochotlhi said nevertheless, the Council is concerned about the inadequate participation of residents in subscribing to refuse collection services. Addressing a Full Council meeting on Monday this week, Mochotlhi said the District continues to struggle with widespread, unauthorised dumping of waste in open areas and along roads and highways, notably construction waste.
He indicated that in addressing this issue, the Council has collaborated with law enforcement agencies, including the police, to tackle illegal dumping. He revealed that as a result of these efforts, a total of 193 individuals
involved in various violations of waste management regulations have been apprehended.
“Therefore, I implore each of you, as representatives of our community, to embrace the principles of environmental sustainability as stated in Vision 2036 by taking proactive measures toward fostering a cleaner environment,' he told the meeting, further adidng that so far the Council has completed the draft of the three Bye Laws, titled; Noise and Nuisance Bye-Laws, Informal Sector Trading Bye-Laws, and Early Childhood & Day Care Centre Bye-Laws.
According to Mochotlhi, the District convened a stakeholder consultative meeting with village leaders and preschool operators on May 20, 2024, at the Main Kgotla to discuss the Early Childhood & Day Care Centre Bye-Laws.
“The Council continues to receive numerous reports and petitions regarding noise and nuisance issues from liquor outlets and churches holding services in residential areas.
“Additionally, there is a significant rise in cases of illegal sales of alcohol in residential premises, an increasing number of businesses operating without licenses, and liquor establishments failing to adhere to prescribed operating hours and days.”
The council chairman noted that these illicit activities primarily occur outside regular working hours, particularly on weekends and public holidays. He revealed that between 1st April 2024, and 20th May 2024, the Council has recorded 16 cases of non-compliance with operating hours and days, as well as 15 cases of loud music disturbing residents in the vicinity.
To address these concerns, the District continues to collaborate on joint operations with other law enforcement agencies.