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Waste Management

Garden Route Regional Waste Management Facility

Public Private Partnership with Eden Waste Management Pty Ltd

The Garden Route District Municipality, through a public-private partnership (PPP) with Eden Waste Management Pty Ltd, on 11 February 2020, celebrated the launch and sod-turning of the region’s first Garden Route Regional Waste Management Facility. This is the very first PPP of its kind in South Africa and is a leading innovation in creating environmental and social benefits for communities.

Executive Mayor of Garden Route District Municipality, Cllr Memory Booysen, during his address, said: “I am as old politically as this initiative.” He highlighted: “Thank you to Bitou Municipality who was one of the first municipalities to budget for this initiative, with Knysna who followed. Mayor Booysen also extended a word of gratitude to Mossel Bay Municipality by saying: “Whenever we submit plans, Mossel Bay does not sit on decisions – thank you Mossel Bay Municipality. He continued: “To our predecessors, you continued to support this initiative – thank you for not giving up on this project – if you can’t think it or dream it, you can’t do it”.

Executive Mayor of Garden Route District Municipality, Cllr Memory Booysen, during his address made it clear that when Council works together, communities will thrive.

This facility will provide a regional waste management service to accommodate approximately 8 500 tons of domestic waste generated per month in the municipal areas of Bitou, Knysna, George and Mossel Bay. However, it is also designed to accommodate domestic waste from Hessequa and Oudtshoorn Municipalities in the future, as Hessequa Municipality has already indicated their interest to dispose of domestic waste from the towns of Gouritsmond and Albertinia, once site becomes operational.

The Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Minister Anton Bredell, at the event, commended the District Municipal team for their hard work and commitment to get this project off the ground. “This is the first in South Africa and serves as key project for other municipalities too.”

To the Mayors and Municipal Managers in the Garden Route, MEC Bredell said: “You need to work hand-in-hand to make this a flagship in the Western Cape, but also in South-Africa. He congratulated the Bitou, Knysna, George and Mossel Bay municipalities for their vision in supporting this initiative.

MEC Anton Bredell urged all municipalities to work hand-in-hand with one another to uphold the reputation of the Garden Route and this flagship PPP.

Mr Jason McNeil, Chief Executive Officer of Eden Waste Management, who forms part of the public-private partnership, presented how the operations of the Regional Waste Management Facility will work and said: “This project will develop infrastructure and create jobs in the region”.

“I am excited to be part of the 1st project of its kind and look forward to its implementation that will create a safe haven for waste management in the Garden Route district”. He concluded: “The facility will set a tone of how waste management must be done,” said McNeil.

The facility will have a lifespan of approximately thirty (30) years. The site will include a domestic waste cell (Class B landfill) and a separate hazardous waste cell (Class A), that will accommodate hazardous waste with low and medium hazard ratings. The services of a roaming chipper and crusher will also be made available to Mossel Bay, George and Knysna municipalities on a rotational basis in order to manage their green waste, construction and demolition waste, respectively.

Further to this, bulk waste transport services will be available to George Municipality to transport domestic waste from Uniondale and George Waste Transfer Stations to the regional facility. Other infrastructure includes roads, stormwater pipelines, a leachate storage dam, a contaminated stormwater dam, offices, a laboratory, a weighbridge, fencing and security infrastructure.  The footprint of the waste management site will cover an approximate area of 115 hectares and the landfill waste cells itself will reach a maximum height of twelve (12) metres.  Three individual domestic waste cells, and one hazardous waste cell, will be excavated to six (6) meters below ground level and filled sequentially.

“In 2007, we decided to commission our own waste management facility – having made use of the Petro SA landfill to accommodate our waste, due to lack of airspace in Mossel Bay, Knysna, George and Bitou municipalities. And so, today, we celebrate this incredible milestone – a facility that is aligned to long term environmental sustainability goals and the latest in landfill legislation,” Mayor Booysen continues.  “However, given the need to meet changing legislative requirements in landfill design and compliance, the cost of municipal waste collection has been increased. We trust however, that our residents will understand the importance of a quality landfill site in managing the environmental impact of waste and that the long-term goals of sustainability and job creation are as close to their hearts as ours.”

Mr Morton Hubbe, Manager: Waste Management, was thanked by Mayor Booysen, MEC Bredell and other stakeholders for his persistence and his role in making the regional landfill facility a reality.

All relevant feasibility studies have been concluded and approved in order to ensure compliance with South African Waste Legislation. To this end, the following has been undertaken:

  • 2008: An Environmental Impact Assessment started and was finalised in February;
  • 2013: the municipality has been issued an Environmental Authorisation from the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning;
  • July 2014: A Section 78 investigation, in terms of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, No. 32 of 2000, was done, where it was finalised that an external mechanism or the use of an external service provider would be a more affordable option for the district municipality;
  • 2014: The Public Private Partnership process started;
  • A Section 120, Municipal Finance Management Act, No. 56 of 2003, process was followed, and the project was registered with the Department of National Treasury as a PPP. The PPP process included several prescribed reporting and commenting stages with National and Provincial Treasury who were part of the process throughout;
  • GRDM received all four views and recommendation reports from both National and Provincial Treasury (TVR I, TVR II A, TVR II B and TVR III);
  • November 2015: Our Waste Management Licence was issued by the Department of Environmental Affairs (now the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries); and
  • 13 December 2019: Council approved the appointment of the Private Partner and also approved the proposed PPP Agreement where Eden Waste Management (RF) Pty Ltd was approved as the Private Partner to build and operate the regional waste management facility over a period of 10 years from start of operation of the facility.

In addition to all legal requirements, GRDM also conducted an organic waste characterisation study in the district in order to determine the quantities and types of organic waste generated, to identify and determine the feasibility of possible alternative technologies. Through a district’s pilot waste minimisation project, it was found that households were very good at composting. Approximately 30% of our waste going to landfills consists of organic waste and can potentially be diverted by means of composting. As a result, GRDM is currently in the process of implementing alternative technology at their facility to accommodate certain organic waste streams.

In conclusion, GRDM Executive Mayor said: “A compliant facility that offers a safe, ethical and environmentally sustainable solution to the region – utilising the latest design and technology – is what we are aiming towards and we believe that, through our PPP, we are in a great position to meet this goal as well as ensuring that we are creating jobs.  Through this development, we aim to drive forth a new era that will environmentally and socially benefit our communities of the Garden Route district”.

View the full gallery of images here: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/galleries/sod-turning-and-launch-of-garden-route-regional-landfill-facility/

The GRDM minds behind the Regional Landfill Facility – hard work paid off: (FLTR): Johan Gie (District Waste Management Officer, Johan Compion (Manager: Municipal Health and Environmental Management Services), Clive Africa (Executive Manager: Community Services) and Morton Hubbe (Manager: District Waste Management).

Garden Route’s Regional Waste Facility a ground-breaking Public-Private Partnership

Above: The GRDM minds behind the Regional Landfill Facility – hard work paid off: (FLTR): Johan Gie (District Waste Management Officer, Johan Compion (Manager: Municipal Health and Environmental Management Services), Clive Africa (Executive Manager: Community Services) and Morton Hubbe (Manager: District Waste Management).
(Credit: Michelle Pienaar)

A first of its kind for South Africa

Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Council, on 13 December 2019, approved a ten-year and eight-month contractual agreement for a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between GRDM and Eden Waste Management. The facility will include integrated disposal services to accommodate household and hazardous waste from four municipalities in the Garden Route – Bitou, Knysna, George and Mossel Bay.

According to Executive Mayor of GRDM, Cllr Memory Booysen: “This is a first PPP of its kind for South Africa. We are the first district municipality out of 44 district municipalities in South Africa to champion such an initiative.”

“We are also planning a sod-turning event for early 2020. Thereafter, construction of the facility will start in February 2020, with the first truckloads of domestic waste expected to be delivered by September 2020,” said Cllr Booysen.

Cost and Services

The total cumulative cost to the district municipality over the contract period is projected at R790 million.

According to Mr Morton Hubbe, GRDM Manager: District Waste Management: “The Regional Waste Management Facility will have a life-span of approximately 30 years”. He also said: “Provision was made to accommodate waste from Hessequa, Kannaland and Oudtshoorn Municipalities – if the need arises.” Hessequa Municipality also recently indicated that they are interested to dispose the domestic waste generated in Gouritzmond and Albertinia at the regional facility when in need of such a service.

The municipal services and support activities that will be provided by the Regional Waste Facility, will include the following:

  • The safe disposal of general waste;
  • a hazardous waste cell for the safe disposal of regional hazardous waste;
  • bulk waste transport;
  • chipping of green waste;
  • crushing of builder’s rubble; and
  • alternative waste treatment technologies, but only if the alternative waste treatment technologies can be incorporated on a no-additional cost basis.

The services of a roaming chipper, use for green waste, and crusher, used for builder’s rubble, will be made available to Mossel Bay, George and Knysna municipalities on a rotational basis. Bulk waste transport services will be available to George Municipality for the transport of domestic waste from Uniondale and George waste transfer stations to the Regional Facility.

Editor’s note:

Section 83 of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (Act No. 117 of 1998), requires a district municipality to seek to achieve the integrated, sustainable and equitable social and economic development of its area, by:

  • Ensuring integrated development planning for the district as a whole;
  • Promoting bulk infrastructure development and services for the district as a whole;
  • Building the capacity of local municipalities in its area to perform their functions and exercise their powers where such capacity is lacking; and
  • Promoting the equitable distribution of resources between the local municipalities in its area to ensure appropriate levels of municipal services within the area.

 

FOR PUBLIC COMMENT – Final Draft Garden Route DM 3rd Generation Integrated Waste Management Plan 2020-2024 – Closing 8 November 2019

Garden Route District Municipality wishes to invite the public to review and provide comment on the 3rd Generation Integrated Waste Management Plan (IWMP).

The IWMP covers the period 2020 – 2025 and defines the municipality’s vision, objectives and targets for waste management.

 The reports will be made available for review at the following locations:

 Garden Route Municipal Offices (during office hours)

Hard copies of the GRDM IWMP will be made available at the following locations:

GRDM Head Office 54 York Street, George (Tel: 044 803 1300)
Knysna Satellite Office 24A Queen Street, Knysna (Tel: 044 382 7214)
Mosselbay Satellite Office C/O Marlin & Samson Street, Mosselbay (Tel: 044 693 0006)
Plettenberg Bay Satellite Office 7 Gibbs Street, Plettenberg Bay (Tel: 044 501 1600)
Oudtshoorn Satellite Office 15 Regent Street, Oudtshoorn (Tel: 044 272 2241)
Riversdale Satellite Office 24 Mitchell Street, Riversdale (Tel: 028 713 2438)

GRDM website: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/documents/

GIBB’s website: http://projects.gibb.co.za

Public review and commenting period

The IWMP will be available for a period of 21 days from 18 October 2019 to 08 November 2019 for the public to review and provide comment on.  All comments received will be included in the final IWMP.

Submission of comments

Comments on the IWMP can be submitted using the contact details listed below

GIBB Public Participation Office

Mrs Kate Flood

Postal address: PO Box 63703, Greenacres, Port Elizabeth

Physical address: 1st Flood, St. George’s Corner, Central, Port Elizabeth

Email: wastesurvey@gibb.co.za

Tel: 041 509 9150

Fax: 041 363 9300

Notice for Public Comment – Public Private Partnership for the Development, Design, Finance, Maintenance and Operation of a new District Regional Landfill Site

The Garden Route District Municipality, in terms of the provisions of Section 33 of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, No. 56 of 2003 hereby make public its intention to enter into a Municipal Public Private Partnership (Municipal PPP) with a private partner, willing to invest in the financing, design, construction, operation and management of the proposed Garden Route Regional Waste Management Facility including the provision of a hazardous waste cell, bulk transportation of waste, chipping of green waste, the crushing of building rubble and related works as well as alternative waste treatment technologies if such alternative waste treatment technologies can be incorporated on a no additional cost basis.

The proposed Municipal PPP Agreement and an information statement summarising the Municipality’s obligations in terms of the proposed contract can be inspected at the Municipality’s head and satellite offices during the official hours of operation of these offices from 03 October 2019 until 03 November 2019. The Municipal PPP Agreement and information statement will also be available, for the duration of the comment period on the Municipality’s website, www.gardenroute.gov.za.

Click here to download the full advert and click here to download all documents related to this notice.

The Municipal PPP Agreement will be considered for approval by the Municipal Council of the Garden Route District Municipality at its Council meeting to be held at the Municipality’s head-office in George during December 2019.

Members of the local community and other interested parties are invited to submit their comments or representations in respect of the proposed Municipal PPP Agreement to the Garden Route District Municipality before 12:00, 03 November 2019 in a sealed envelope clearly endorsed STAKEHOLDER COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSED AGREEMENT FOR A MUNICIPAL PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A REGIONAL LANDFILL FOR THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY IN THE MOSSEL BAY AREA” and addressed to: Municipal Manager, Garden Route District Municipality, P.O. Box 12, George, 6530, and to be deposited in the tender box in the foyer of the Garden Route District Municipal head office at 54 York Street, George.

The Information Statement contains more detail on the information requirements to be provided for individuals and/or organisations that are submitting comments.

Any person who wishes to submit comments or representations in respect of the proposed contract who cannot write will be assisted by the Garden Route District Municipality Communication Section at 54 York Street, George.

It must be noted that should the Garden Route District Municipal Council approve this Municipal PPP Agreement during their meeting to be held in December 2019, it will be implemented as soon as possible thereafter.  The agreement as concluded would in terms of Section 84(3) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 32 of 2000 be made available at the municipal head and satellite offices during office hours for public inspection.

Enquiries can be directed to Mr Morton Hubbe at tel 044 693 0006 or to morton@gardenroute.gov.za.

M Stratu
Municipal Manager
Garden Route District Municipality
P.O. Box 12
George 6530

GRDM and Mossel Bay Municipalities launch Schools Composting Programme in Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay Municipality in collaboration with Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), on 17 September 2019, launched a Schools Composting Programme in Great Brak River. During the launch, a delegation from both municipalities handed over composting bins and worm farms to the Great Brak River Primary and Great Brak River Secondary Schools, respectively. The composting bins and worm farms were provided by Mossel Bay Municipality.

Mr Evor Muller, Acting Foreman: Refuse Removal – Mossel Bay Municipality, Mr Chester Arendse, Coordinator: Youth Community Outreach Programme, Department of Environmental Affairs, Ms Sizeka Monakali, Manager: Refuse Removal & Collections – Mossel Bay Municipality, Mr Peter Abrahams (“Uncle Jannie”), Caretaker – Great Brak River Secondary School, Mr Johan Gie, District Waste Management Officer – GRDM, Ms Angela Muller, Principal – Great Brak River Secondary School, Mr Sivuyile Mtila, Senior Manager: Waste Management & Pollution Control, Mossel Bay Municipality and Mr John Wildemans, Financial Clerk – Great Brak River Secondary School, during the handover.

The initiative followed after Mossel Bay and Garden Route District Municipalities met with five local schools in the Mossel Bay area with the aim to implement school composting programmes at their respective schools. Large amounts of organic waste is generated from schools e.g. vegetable and fruit peels etc. from school hostels and feeding schemes, as well as grass cuttings and garden waste from school and sport grounds. This initiative will furthermore create a perfect opportunity for awareness and education regarding composting, worm farms and organic waste diversion, for the learners at the schools.

According to Mr Johan Gie, District Waste Management Officer at GRDM, after the handover, workshops will be conducted by GRDM at the schools to educate the responsible educators and identified learners (champions) regarding the use of the bins and worm farms. “The workshops are scheduled to take place in October this year,” he said.

Food Scraps have a purpose Garden Route District Municipality

Food scraps have a purpose

There are various easy methods published online on how to reduce food waste in households. One such a method is to reduce potential waste of food before it ends up in kitchen bins or at the Garden Route District Municipality’s regional or at local municipal landfill sites.

Where to from here?

When planning to purchase food, create a list of what is needed before purchasing any items. This will ensure that people buy absolutely necessary groceries. Avoid clutter in your fridge, pantry or freezer by moving older products to the front as a reminder to consume them first. When preparing a meal, there are usually some leftovers – incorporate these into your daily/weekly routine by taking some to work. Remember to store these and other foodstuffs at the correct temperatures to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. Proposing waste minimisation actions at work can also be a step towards changing the habits of those around you. It is also a great gesture to donate food to food banks, and food scraps or spoilt food to pig farms. Altogether, fruits and vegetables are perfect for composting.

A community who changed their habits

According to one of GRDM’s Bitou-based Municipal Health Officials, Ms Maxwelline Fatuse, there is an informal settlement named Bossiesgif in Bitou, who manages their food waste in a different, but clever way. This community made a collective and positive routine-change to their daily habits. They use re-usable 10- litre waste bins or paint bins, hang it outside to fencing poles, which are then filled with food scraps from their kitchens. The waste bins are picked up twice a week and used to feed six pigs farms situated near the community.

A community member of Bossiesgif, Mr Mqalo said: “Our community initiative has been conscious of waste minimisation for years and this community drive helps us to reduce the municipal bins from filling up too quickly. It also helps feed the pigs of farmers and in turn, reduces the waste that would usually be dumped at landfill sites.”

Mr Mqalu explained that community members know to only discard food scraps like vegetable and potato peels, cabbage, (organic waste) etc. in the bins.

“There has not been a single report of pigs getting sick due to this approach of discarding household scrap food,” Mr Mqalu confirmed.

Surrounding areas that include New Horizon, Kwanokutula, Pinetrees and Xolweni, have also adopted this method of discarding food waste. This method, over time, shifts a mountain of waste into feed for pigs. This initiative proves that when communities work collectively to change societal habits for the better, it can move mountains – in this case, mountains of waste.

One might assume that vegetable or fruit scraps can only be used for composting, but there are more ways to “kill a fly”.

Writer’s note:
Food waste is a worldwide epidemic; one-third of food on a global scale is either wasted or spoiled food. Food waste lying at dumpsites also result in methane gas build-up, which has been reported by the Canadian Broadcast Corporation as “25 times more damaging than carbon dioxide.” In the not too distant future, this will result in an additional increase in the effects of climate change.

Garden Route schools guided to a Greener future

A pilot Primary School Recycling Programme has been launched at St. Paul’s Primary School in George today, 10 June 2019, by the Executive Mayor of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Councillor Memory Booysen, in collaboration with the Waste Management Unit of GRDM and their recycling mascot known as ‘Rocky the Recycling Rooster’.

Executive Mayor, Cllr Memory Booysen, with Principal Calvert, teachers, learners and municipal employees at the end of the pilot Recycling Launch.

During the welcoming and opening of the programme, Principal Baron Calvert said: “Part of my teaching background is in the field of Environmental Science and I therefore understand the importance of the programme and welcome the Municipality’s project at our school. We are privileged to be the first primary school in the Garden Route to be identified to pilot this project.” Mr Calvert was appointed on 1 April 2019 as Principal of St. Paul’s Primary School and brings with him a wealth of experience and a passion for behaviour change.

‘Rocky the Recycling Rooster’ was introduced by Mr Johan Gie, Waste Management Officer at GRDM.

Through this Programme, learners will be more likely to carry recycling habits into their adult years, while sharing it with family and friends. They will also be able to become more aware of how their personal actions can affect the future of the environment.

Executive Mayor, Cllr Memory Booysen, with Principal Calvert, teachers, learners and municipal employees at the end of the pilot Recycling Launch.

Executive Mayor, Cllr Memory Booysen, urged learners to stop littering. He said the school would be able to make an income from recycling, if done effectively. “Recycling companies pay for recyclables and this should also be seen as an opportunity for the school to create an additional income stream.”

‘Rocky the Recycling Rooster’ was one of the highlights at the launch of the pilot Recycling Project which was rolled out by GRDM at St. Paul’s Primary School in George.

“From today, this school will have to set an example to other schools by being the cleanest. When we come back here to see how well you have implemented the project, we will award a prize to the learner who has demonstrated and committed to change his/her behaviour,” said Cllr Booysen.

St. Paul’s Primary School were provided with 25 cardboard recycling boxes to use in various classrooms, offices and copy rooms. The boxes are easily identifiable with clear signage indicating that they are meant for recycling. “If the project goes well, the district will also offer recycling bins made for outside use,” explained Cllr Booysen.

A similar pilot Programme was launched at Knysna’s Percy Mdala High School in May 2019 in which teachers and learners were introduced to the programme and the important impact recycling has on the environment.

TRAINING STAFF

It is essential to reach out to learners and teachers to inform them of recycling initiatives. An on-going education programme will inform all participants about their collaborative efforts to reduce the amount of waste produced, especially on what can and cannot be recycled.

COLLECTION

Schools often produce tremendous amount of waste with instructional materials, used electronics, and food. Collecting and separation of recyclables after a school has managed to play their role in the recycling cycle, is just as important. Local Municipalities will continue collecting all non-recyclable refuse from schools and the general public.

Carton boxes which will be used by learners for recycling purposes.

WASTE TYPES AT SCHOOL

The following types of recyclables are generally produced at schools, which include:

  • Paper;
  • Metal;
  • Plastic; and
  • Organic Waste.

WAYS TO RECYCLE AND REDUCE WASTE AT SCHOOL

  • Keep a cardboard recycling box in every classroom
  • Route memos electronically;
  • Reuse office and classroom supplies;
  • Hold recycling contests between classrooms or grades;
  • Use the front and back of copy paper for class assignments;
  • Encourage students to use recycled materials in their art projects;
  • Establish a recycling club that encourages recycling throughout the school.
  • Use old magazines for art projects;
  • Minimize the number of handouts used in classes;
  • Encourage the cafeteria to buy food in bulk which reduces paper and plastic waste;
  • Encourage students to bring their lunch from home in reusable containers; and
  • Encourage students to bring junk mail from home and place in recycle bins.
Rocky the Recycling Rooster and learners from St. Paul's Primary School in George
Rocky the Recycling Rooster’ requested a photo on his own with learners shortly after the pilot Recycling Programme was launched.

Samevatting in Afrikaans

‘n Herwinningsprojek is vandag, 10 Junie 2019, op proef-basis ingestel by St. Paul’s Primêr deur Garden Route Distriksmunisipaliteit (GRDM). Die projek is amptelik geloots deur Burgemeester Memory Booysen, die GRDM Afvalbestuurspan, in samewerking met ‘Rocky the Recycling Rooster”.

Die projek behels dat leerders gebruik maak van plastieksakke en kartonbokse om papier, metaal, plastiek en organiese materiaal/produkte te herwin.

Burgemeester Booysen het genoem: “Van vandag af moet julle ‘n voorbeeld stel vir ander skole in die streek. Wanneer ons julle weer besoek, beoog ons om ‘n prys aan die herwinnings-ambassadeur by julle skool te oorhandig.”

‘n Soortgelyke projek is in Mei-maand by Percy Mdala Hoërksool te Knysna geloots.

Die doel van die herwinningsprojek is om lig te werp op herwinningsgewoontes in skole en om gemeenskappe se denkwyse oor herwinning te verander.

Desiree Liberty entertains learners, leading a song called "This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine"
Ms Desiree Liberty from the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Unit entertained learners with a well-known song to many, called: “This Little Light of Mine” by gospel singer and writer, Harry Dixon Loes. Behind her (fltr), are: Cllr Memory Booysen (GRDM Executive Mayor), Mr Richard Dyantyi (GRDM Manager: EPWP) and Principal Baron Calvert (St Paul’s Primary School)

Update on Garden Route DM’s 205-hectare property development in Mossel Bay

1.    Regional Waste Management Facility on Farm 419 Mossel Bay

The Development of a Regional Waste Management Facility on the property of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Farm 419, will be finalised by the end of 2019. 

The facility will occupy +-70% of the 205-hectare property (approximate size of 143.5 hectares) belonging to GRDM.  A private partner was selected by GRDM and a Public Private Partnership agreement will soon be entered into between the District Council and the company. Constructing and operating the facility for a period of ten years will be the responsibility of the appointed company.

Bitou, Knysna, George and Mossel Bay Municipalities will make use of the Waste Management Facility which will deal with domestic and hazardous waste disposal. Mobile chipping and crushing facilities will be included to assist the four Local Municipalities with Green Waste Management.

In addition to the Regional Landfill Facility, the following two proposals were received and are subject to all applicable legislation, application requirements and approvals. One proposal was received from Ikusasa Processing Engineering Consultants (PTY) Ltd and the other from Moumakoe-Geza Joint Venture. Sufficient land (+-30% of the 205 hectares of land) is available on Farm 419 for these developments.

 2.    Ikusasa Processing Engineering Consultants (Pty) Ltd

The Garden Route Investment Conference, which was held in March 2018, stimulated the interest of two multi-national companies to invest in the Garden Route. One of the two, which is known as Ikusasa Processing Engineering Consultants (PTY) LTD, approached GRDM with a proposal stating their intent to erect a chemical plant that will support the wide variety of sectors in the region and outside portion of Farm 419 in Mossel Bay. The size will be determined once the necessary plans are finalised and presented to the Garden Route District Municipality and approved by Mossel Bay Municipality. Necessary studies i.e. EIA’s will also have to be undertaken for this proposed development.

3. Moumakoe-Geza Joint Venture

Moumakoe-Geza Joint Venture has recently requested to lease 10 hectares of GRDM land, which forms part of Erf 419, adjacent to PetroSA for the construction of lubricant oil or a lube oil blending plant. The plant will have the capacity of producing 20 800 000 liters of blended products per annum. Studies have revealed that South Africa has a lubricant demand of 2 million barrels per annum. This project is, therefore, a win-win solution for the Garden Route in terms of social and economic development. Necessary studies i.e. EIA’s will also have to be undertaken for this proposed development.

Sale of fake foods

Public concern regarding the selling of “fake foods” compelled the National Department of Health to issue an urgent directive to investigate allegations made regarding the sale of food products, especially products not labelled in accordance with the REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE LABELLING AND ADVERTISING OF FOODSTUFFS, R146 OF 01 MARCH 2010.

According to Regulation 146:  

  • No person shall manufacture, import, sell or offer any pre-packed foodstuffs for sale, unless the foodstuff container or the bulk stock, from which it is taken, is labelled in accordance with these regulations.
  • No person shall import, manufacture, sell, distribute or donate foodstuffs, unless a date marking is clearly indicated on the label or container of such foodstuff.
  • The date shall be preceded by appropriate words “best before” and/or “use by” and/or “sell by”, depending on the nature of the product; Provided that bbreviations shall not be permitted, except “BB” for “best before”, but the preceding words shall be written out in full.
  • The date marking may not be removed or altered by any person.

During September 2018, the Garden Route District Municipality’s Municipal Health Section, in conjunction with the South African Police Services (SAPS) conducted successful operations at “Spaza Shops” in the Hessequa Region.

The purpose of these operations was to address the sale of food products which have reached their “sell by” and/or “use by” and/or “best before” dates, as well as products that were not labelled in English and/or one of the other official languages of the Republic of South Africa.

Inspections were conducted at eighty-one (81) “Spaza Shops” in Riversdale, Heidelberg and Albertinia collectively. During the operations, aspects regarding labelling and advertising of foodstuffs were explained to shop owners/managers, and  products which were not labelled in accordance with this Regulation, especially those with no labels, inappropriate language presentation and no “sell by” and/or “use by” and/or “best before” dates, were confiscated and condemned.

When products that have reached their “sell by” and/or “use by” and/or “best before dates were found, shop owners/managers ere given the option to either return the products to the manufacturer or voluntarily surrender it for condemnation.

It is important to understand that date marking, is a best practice in the food industry, helping to protect both food quality and food safety. When the “sell by” and/or “use by” and/or “best before” dates of a food product has been reached, the risk of microbiological deterioration increases, which result in an increased health risk to the public.

In light of these events, the Municipal Health Section of the Garden Route District Municipality has decided to increase its monitoring programmes at all food premises, and to create greater public awareness.