The Newcastle Municipality is currently on the brink of a significant development – the establishment of a new landfill site tailored to meet the needs of the local community.
The establishment of the landfill site was first brought to light during the recent series of Mayoral Roadshows, which aimed to showcase the Municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP).
During the roadshow, the Newcastle Municipality stated that it was actively scouting for a suitable plot of land to hold the landfill. Presently, a piece of land within the jurisdiction of the eMadlangeni (Utrecht) Municipality has been earmarked for the project. However, before anything can proceed, rigorous specialist studies are underway to assess the viability of this site.
Scrutinising the project further, the Newcastle Municipality’s Communications Unit emphasised the urgent need for a new landfill area, as there was limited air space on the existing site.
Regarding the airspace, the Municipality noted the site is highly regulated and budget allocation was limited for site operations. Moreover, the Communications Unit stated, “The shortage of space is the main challenge now, but we managed to utilise the existing space even though it’s no longer sufficient.”
Additionally, Cllr Bertie Meiring explained, “We need a new landfill site as the current site has exceeded its lifespan by approximately 10 years. To bring the current site to the point where its lifespan is extended would cost the Newcastle Municipality too much.”
Regarding the decision to establish the landfill near Utrecht, the Communications Unit disclosed that the decision was based on a site selection process with consideration of flaws that would impact the landfill site and its immediate surroundings. Although the Communications Unit didn’t delve into specifics, Cllr Meiring clarified that the chosen site was one of the few options that wouldn’t significantly impact the surrounding environment.
“The water tables in Newcastle are too high and while the land is still to be fully inspected before the Municipality makes its final decision on whether or not to go ahead with the project, it is the only piece of land that could potentially work,” explained Cllr Meiring.
At present, neither a budget nor a timeline has been set for the project. However, the budget will be determined by the studies related to the new landfill site, stated the Municipality’s Communications Unit, adding that it was a highly regulated process and once the process had been followed, then only would construction of the site be undertaken.
While the new site will have to pass a series of stringent tests and be approved by the necessary government departments, before being approved by Council within the Newcastle Municipality, the Communications Unit noted that the landfill site would provide less stress on the community when considering the current landfill site.
Looking ahead, what’s in store for the current dumpsite once the new landfill is officially approved? According to the Communications Unit, the plan is to repurpose the site into a sports field after 30 years.
While extensive planning is underway, it’s crucial to note that AfriForum conducted evaluations of 10 landfill sites across KwaZulu-Natal in 2023. As reported by Newcastillian News in August 2023, Newcastle’s current landfill was among those inspected. It received a lacklustre score of 30% with the civil rights organisation highlighting that despite site capacity being reached, the landfill site was still operational.
For more insights into AfriForum’s evaluation of landfill sites across KZN, click here.
With steps now being taken to secure a new landfill site, what are your thoughts on the developments?
Share your views in the comments section below.
2 Responses
Too far. Will add to operational costs , fuel distance condition of roads. The cost rendering the service would be more costly in years to come
We should have yearly elections. Seems the government and municipality wakes up just before election time.